New Construction - Mixed Use - Obtaining Financing?

[David Friedman]

Hello BP,

I am new to the game of developing. By new, I mean I have never developed a property in my life! I am wondering what the best way to get financing for my first project would be. 

I currently own the land that I would like to develop on. It is a hard corner in a densely populated city. The city will approve a mixed-use scenario with retail on the ground level and apartments above. I have the highest zoning in the city so my options are pretty endless except for industrial.

Options I have thought of:

1. Partnering with a local bank

2. Obtaining LOIs from National/International tenants

3. Bringing on partners

4. Any other ideas? If I wanted to go with choice #1 what would be the most effective way of convincing a bank that I have a solid project?

Thank you for any advice.