I'd agree with @Wayne Brooks that is sounds like something made up to sell classes.Many states require a mortgage broker license to broker loans. 

I am in the 30 day trial period with PriceLabs.The vacation attraction of our house is that it is near the beach (7.5 mile drive) and walkable to a pier and boat launch on the sound (< 1 mile), but it is not at the beach.

Good info here and they regularly update readers on any proposed, current, and completed projects in NYC.I haven't yet subscribed to their Yimby+ membership but this may have more information.

@Jack Honrothgood for you, it sounds like you discovered what is the case in most markets right now - on market properties with debt will not cash flow.can you start with a house hack? 

Do we write a check and have the Title company hold it until work is complete?

Takes a lot of emotion out of the ordeal as well & can veer off script then come back to it in order to sound like a real person. 

My new property manager has not needed to complete one repair. 

It sounds like a communication issue. 

Any bank that wants to float your rate until completion is not looking out for you.

It would be a challenge to get the 1/4" per foot fall necessary to tie into the existing main line on the property, although not completely ruled out.