If you are buying new construction without an Agent, you most likely will be using the Builder's Lender, as most Builder's "incentivize" the transaction as such it's difficult to use another Lender.

The initial charge for the construction documents is $10K.

Being in the construction business for about 30 years and having a real estate broker license in Texas for about 30 years gives me a unique answer probably regarding your issue. 

Ended up switching to a new property management company that also has a construction arm of their company.  

My research leads me to believe that a specific mortar needs to be used, as the stone and antique brick are not as strong as modern day products/construction.  

I have two lots I'm going to build new construction on.

Meyers ( lehigh Acres) on brand new or near new constructed homes ( minus Chinese drywall) for 25 to 40k each.. these homes 5 years before were selling for 250k.. in my mind in that time in space.. that was probably one of the cheapest places in the first world to live.. brand new our near new home for 30k  US health fire and police.. 

There is some interesting construction techniques that I haven't seen too often.

I would look for something that you can turn into a 3 unit or 4 unit but a duplex may work at least initially — a shell is totally OK (and may be preferred) if you have the budget to renovate (note that you may be able to find a construction loan with as little as 3.5% down although you’ll need to run the numbers to see whether it will work for you).If the answer to the first question is no (or the answer to the first question is yes and the answer to the second question is no), then don’t invest in LA because you are likely able to get better cash flow elsewhere to offset your current housing costs.

The mining and logging industry ranked first in job creation followed by construction; professional and business services; leisure and hospitality; and transportation, warehousing, and utilities.All Texas metro areas except Corpus Christi and Victoria had more jobs.