No other product can allow one to do this (HELOCs are similar in a sense but have drawbacks and limitations that whole life does not).I can tell you misunderstand the underlying mechanics of IBC yourself in how you mention credit (you're not alone!)

Would it be possible to file a mechanic's lien on your own property and would this be a way to discourage potential title thieves?

We are in the Seattle market, so reality is that demand so significantly outweighs supply that on new construction you aren't really at risk of not selling, its more for at what price per sq ft it will end up selling for.But one mechanism build in is that there is a $100k buffer where he will hold at least $50k of his build fee until after house is sold.

The cost starts with  1.) plan cost (survey, civil engineer, site plan, architect, structural engineer, mechanical/electrical/plumbing (short for MEP) plans, etc.).

Or "have a few good go to vendors for handyman, mechanicals etc

This week I received my first negative review from a guest.I understand that this is part of the business, but I'm just wondering what coping mechanisms does everyone revert to when this happens?

And would that be the architect or mechanical/designers? 

You won't have as many headaches with mechanicals being newer and you'll be able to get cash-flow day one if you're investing in the right market.

What downpayment % does your finance mechanism require?

Get this established up front, consider it a venting mechanism, so if one party feels frustrated they have a ready way to release it.