So take into consideration the holding costs of making no money for years into the process. 

This significantly simplifies the process as it takes the secondary market out of the construction part of the process. 

The service fees end up being around 20.75% if you hire a "host" or property manager to make the investment as passive as a long term rental. 

What would push the needle for you as a broker to confidently move forward with a buyer in the process of acquiring a building?

@Vernon Welch II most tenants offering to pay their rent upfront are trying to compensate for negative qualification issues.NEVER override your screening process just because someone offers to pay several months upfront!

Always a good idea to include a tax accountant in your decision-making process. 

The process is very involved as you'll have to navigate pre-construction activities that involve architectural plans and approval from the city and then the construction activities (Shovel to soil) take anywhere from 5-9 months depending on how much your building. 

To discuss other side of this thought process on new builds..

I think you need a little more education and a mindset shift.Real estate investing is a fairly simple process.

May I ask what is your experience with furnished finder screening process?