Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.

@Michael Plaks explain what you mean that a full time W2 employee who is a professional athlete can t qualify as having pro RE designation?

Thinking there may be a market for short term rental as a farm stay in an interesting space if designed correctly and not too terribly far outside of town, but I need to educate myself on str for this specific area on the outskirts.  

My question is, being my first investment home, should I bother with hiring some kind of designer to help with the material choices/colors/styles/etc or keep with the contractor and work toward a plan and scope of work that way?

One of the most popular ways to invest in real estate is to own a collection of rental properties.

Please note the information provided below is a layman's definition designed to provide a basic understanding for the general audience.

I'm bringing the deal, which I've carefully analyzed and managing the whole process from purchasing, furnishing, designing, managing, etc (this is for a short term rental) If I didn't need them to take out the loan I would just do a pay back monthly with a 5 year balloon after cashing out equity from the house.  

For instance, inadequate/improperly designed water diversion systems can cause major problems (e.g.; rot, masonry degradation, foundation settling) that won't emerge for several years.

A household with more than $1MM in net worth excluding their personal residenceThere are some other options and more details, but if you can check either of the items above, you are safe to call yourself an accredited investor.The more complicated designation is the Sophisticated Investor.

Fresno also seems to be a popular destination.