This makes it difficult for them to reject and will buy you some time to make conversation.

You want the best product for YOU, not the product your LO can actually do.  

this is a toughie. hard money specifically is equity-driven, meaning they'll likely want 40%+ down to even entertain the deal. additionally, land without improvements is often very inexpensive (relative to land with improvements), usually pushing below a threshold which makes sense for a hard money lender. if you're not intending to build right away, then i think you'll have the best luck with private money instead of hard money. usually higher leverages than hard money, and more negotiable terms.if you are intending to build on it pretty right away, a ground-up construction loan could work, but those will typically require some ground-up construction experience (on title on other ground-up deals), or an extensive portfolio of heavy rehabs/ rentals/ strong liquidity. those will give you acquisition monies (to buy the land) and build monies (to build the improvements).

The first prototype will have all specified fixtures, finishes and products as My wife and I like and approve.

Are you selling the LTR and then planning to buy STR within 1031 exchange timeline requirements? 

I’m looking for a list of suggested products (cabinets, flooring, tile, etc) to rehab the interior.

Hi Ian,Buying a LH property in itself is not an issue, it all depends on buyer's due diligence and analyzing the situation for his/her advantage.

With having young kids and working full time, being able to buy a house that needs mostly cosmetic updates that I can do myself would be easier than buying a property I would have to travel to without the family to work on. 

Whether you're flipping houses or looking for buy-and-hold opportunities, I'm here to offer flexible financing solutions.

I have contacted a couple of wholesalers but I am unexperienced in the process of buying through a wholesaler.