We lend up to 85% of the build costs but, generally, require that our borrowers have some experience with ground-up construction. 

Picking up 3 properties. 1 remodel/rental, 1 demolition/New construction and 1 that I'm hoping to build a duplex on.

Your agent should be able to help with your deal analysis, consulting on whether a deal is good/bad, learning neighborhoods, estimating renovations, building your team, etc.

Typically the excuses that are given are the same, 1) Property Tax Increases 2) Insurance Premium Increases 3) Adverse local market conditions.

Do the tax benefits make it a good deal?

I here in the Netherlands Rotterdam working on renovating a 3 unit building

Start by talking to a cross-border CPA and attorney to handle taxes and legal structures properly.

What worked for me was focusing on building strategic relationships with top tier people (quality partners) who could complement what I brought to the table—sales, management, and execution.When you are approaching sellers for creative financing, leading with a clear value proposition (and CONFIDENTLY) is key.

We bring/offer the mortgage loan investment to the group & handle all the servicing, including chasing the monthly payment/insurance/taxes, foreclosure, etc.

The reason people hesitate to pursue ground-up construction here is because it's costly, unless you're building a two-family home where you can live in one unit and rent out the other.