Investors normally use the term only when referring to multi-residential or commercial properties.

Is 5% for an international lender normal? 

I can normally accept these but on one occasion had to walk away from the deal.

@Brian Jordan, it's a sad world where Sellers will let a lot of their property equity be frittered away by your promise of quick cash, even though you've told them in bold letters that you intend on making a HUGE PROFIT out of them, rather than sensibly request that you (having told them that you're also a Licensed Realtor) list it for them for normal commission only!

I own the land outright, and do have the funds for the construction.Would you leave the cash in your normal passive investments (mix of bond funds & stock market) and borrow for the construction, or pull the funds out of the investments and pay cash?

Is that normal?

This would not have the needing to rest at $0 stipulation, and will be a ‘normal’ auto loan.

is that a normal question to ask over email?

I know I'm looking for irreparable damage.The other floors aside from basement did not have a significant pet smell.The contractor does not know this tenant nor does he normally check for damage.

There are several things to consider here before accepting a blanket answer such as  is it better to lend than flip with an IRA.As a lender, the IRA is limited to normal rates of interest.