Because of this, I negotiated a great rate from him, with specific bonuses in place if he hit certain milestones.

Let me jump in here and provide the Case-Shiller graph for Miami: http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/MIXRSAMiami real estate from 1987-2014 returned a dismal 3.75% annually.

Today marks a milestone in the industry.

For a job that big just pay downpayment on first job and pay on milestones of completion not 99 percent complete but 100 complete.

You are on the right track advancing him some if he meets milestones and an extra $500 bucks or paying the bill right after inspecting the work goes a long way to building loyalty. 

Could there be goals or milestones for which the profits and/or equity are increased for any or all parties?

What are the milestones to achieve those goals?

I would be happy to show you some graphs and calculations I have created on all of this. 

", when asked what their goal or plan is.I've come up with a number of ways to "suggest" that those are not plans (as you have so aptly stated), but summaries of what you have done to achieve your plan/goal.Goals are financial, Milestones are measureable pieces of those goals (in a planned order), Steps are the properties (one leading to the next) that achieve those Milestones, which in turn reach those goals.  

In addition the bank if giving you a construction loan based on your personal credit (or other assets as collateral) for construction and release those funds based on hitting various milestones (e.g. permits pulled, inspections passed, etc).