What projects do you focus on?

I'd say that after the job is completed, I might need to revisit the project to make additional minor repairs to the garage, and the money is intended also for electricity needed for the minor repairs, if they ever come up. 

If the building needs plumbing/ electrical updates,  all the guts of those projects will likely be in the basement.  

It would be great if you would share the numbers pertaining to this project!

I think we could still get a loan and buy a duplex which would help us with the funds for our current project.

The GC should give you plenty of feedback and you can hire him for your project if he seems competent.  

Need footage taken for a project in North West Houston...

A slow paying construction loan that rolls to a conventional with us funding the project then paying ourselves back?

You want a product as food or better than the homes you are using as comparables.Without seeing your project I'd be very tempted to gut the exterior walls at least so I could insulate.

And with cash, you have the freedom to shift your investments into what ever you want, like a project overseas.