Just a heads up.

Thank  you so much in advance. can you further describe what you mean by "using as a business" big diffference between having company vehicles there vs. having pallets of shingles in the driveway. what specifically or how specifically are they using it as  abusiness

Providing any sort of motorized vehicle as an amenity is a lawsuit waiting to happen.  

My loan officer (I know...) said that people will let title know ahead of time and then complete the deed transfer immediately after closing.

So, go ahead and find a cheaper vendor - guarantee you can find one.But, most won't be licensed and insured to protect you from lawsuits.Oh, and what do you think your chances are of getting a cheap vendor to come back and fix something under warranty?

Perhaps I am getting ahead of myself, but  what happens when you sell this property and a defect is uncovered by the next owner?

If you want to do it, go ahead and do it.

As an update though, we did move ahead and were able to secure a 1X close construction loan that automatically converts to a 30-year fixed rate. 

Rich, go ahead and make your counter.

McGee I agree with @Ruben Kanya 100% As a newbie I think that you shouldnt get ahead of yourself trying to outsource tasks when you havent done a deal yet.