The current condo I own is non-warrantable which eliminates utilizing traditional loans. 

Make sure you utilize all the great tools BP has to offer.

With that said, I typically try to get at least two trusted sources to check out the house for me, which sounds like you have done. 

Right now I have all expenses (utilities, material, labor, interest loan payments, insurance) posting to the WIP account. 

I would imagine you have at least 50k-100k to utilize.  

Typically, a lender would present the option with no points unless the borrower asked to pay down the rate.

Since I am adjacent to the city limit, I can connect with City sewer and water...I was told.I am going back to see if that will let me bypass the 0.5 acre minimum lot size restriction if the new building is connected to city utilities..

The last rate hike request got denied by the insurance commissioner and there will be a hearing sometime this summer I believe (I’m sure a rate hike will follow but not the one the insurance companies asked for) weather events certainly can impact but typically it is just a quick in and out hurricane and of course, hope for minimal damage to property.  

I include all utilities in the rent.

I don't personally utilize this strategy, but many other people do so successfully so you might look into that.