They own a note secured by the property.I think you are convoluting equity investors and the typical terms and structures provided to equity investors and private lenders.Think of your "investors" as the bank.  

A bank will be way more likely to loan on land already entitled.  

Plus, that W2 income is what is going to keep banks comfortable loaning you money to keep growing.  

Just yesterday I talked with a gentleman that was wanting to sell me a six month training going over two lessons a month in buying  apartments.The cost was basically 3k or $250 a session which would not and should not break the bank.

Do some banks or credit unions let you refinance at 90% LTV?

I would pop into one of the local Chinese banks (specifically the ones who advertise real estate loans) and see if they have a connection!

My parents for burnt bad by the banks, that shaped my financial believe system growing up.Of course, you should not "feel" about money at all.

Your combined personal tax rate of 30% could apply to state and federal taxes depending on jurisdiction.

I would always make sure you have funds in the bank 

We have a PMI of $250 a month and I’d love to get rid of it.I contacted the bank for a request for PMI to be lifted and they denied it.They said I could order an assessment of the house through them and then if house / condo come up with enough gained equity then it might be possible .Does anyone know the best first initial steps to order a home assessment ?