There are exceptions - some properties are set up such that installing a few electric baseboard heaters might be possible to save on the gas bill - but i would still just shy away if not metered separately at the outset.  10) do shop for a lender and compare (usually pretty standard but there can be some fluctuation) - dont fall for the ones that sound too good to be true - there are gimmicks out there - big bank or reputable broker should do you fine.  

This is pretty standard and should be in there, unless you went with non-standard docs

I am surprised they have not been sued for illegal business practices.

Well Not in a practical sense .

Not sure the rules in NY real estate, but it's best practice to interview multiple brokers and understand what you are getting yourself into beforehand. 

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

You could setup something where the fees are deferred until you secure the construction loan and then pay them 1.5-2x their standard fee if they waited the 6-18 months to get paid.

He's very thorough with this standard inspections and he also offers "investor due diligence" inspections at a reduced rate.

Have you paid their standard fee (or beat them up to lessen it further) or a premium to cut the line when updates or revisions are needed?

So you could give them a 30-day notice that you are taking the garage back, but I think that's bad practice.