For example, maybe they believe they did $1800 in work, buy you believe they did $1200 in work and that there is still a punch-list of items that need to be done.

Taxes are another item on your deal analysis.  

As for short-term financing, they are fairly easy to work with but the biggest hurdle is their internal credit model.

I would simply hire a good civil that has done development in that jurisdiction and pay for a feasibility study and let them run through all the check items.. but thats really just the start.. also for context .. these projects require 350 to 750k in CASH up front to get to approved plat status ..

You should only have to do this with the largest items- mainly couches/chairs and dining sets.

Umbrella insurance is crazy cheap for the benefit, and it already requires you max out your liability on your other covered items.

I am the opposite I have never bought new tires for a car in the last 20 plus years except for my Porsche which chews them up. and my model X Tesla which weighs a ton.. when i need new tires I get a new car :)  PS when the clutch went out on the Porsche at 25k miles and out of warranty it was 5k to fix it..

I'd like to get a referral on a model from someone who has installed one that they are happy with. 

Hey Joshua,I'm currently in the throws of a development project in Brooklyn, and the $300 a sf model is a little light, especially if you plan on decent finishes. 

Just before we launched our first couple MTRs we started reaching out, networking, and pitching our model to local companies.