@Christian LongacreChristian, thanks for your response.

I.e. dissolve the LOI and attempt to purchase through traditional method once it hits the housing market.

Is it a land contract or traditional mortgage and note.That’s what title company will ask so they can create the documentsIf you are the buyer then you absolutely do not want a land contract and want property conveyed to you with title insurance

I have a big chunk of cash saved that I need to put to use, but I'm having trouble determining the value of a new build vs a more traditional deal just buying a rental and rehabbing.I've been presented with an opportunity from a builder to build a new duplex in an area which can be used as short-term or long-term rentals in Knoxville, TN.The builder is a rare combination of fast, cheap, AND quality, and has written a "cost-not-to-exceed" clause into the building, so it's an extremely competitive build cost (details below).The deal would cash flow very nicely, but it would force me to leave a chunk of cash into the property.Here are the numbers:duplex: each unit 2:2, 900 sq ftTotal cost of land, 1.2 acres (This is already leveled, excavated, and prepped for building): $80kMaximum build cost: $252kTotal cost: $332kCash in: $67,000ARV: $350kApprox cash flow: $800-1,100So, again, how does this compare to a typical buy/rehab?

I have done mobile home Wholesaling and now Im into traditional homes. 

Plus the more traditional styles that developed over time, such as a side-by-side rambler duplex or stacked (shoebox) 4-plex. 

@Pepper Bradford-  thanks - 1) anyone thats  bringing in  funds for the  down payment on a  inv purchase  will need to be a  co borrower and go on the loan / title   2)  this isnt  anyhting unique or new   for  traditional lenders    3)  many investors  will  balk  at  having to  provide your  lender  all their  financials / tax  returns  etc ....maybe you can  find some that  are OK with this 

The most obvious one, of course, is that the buyer can go ahead with their investment plans even if they do not have funds set aside for the down payment.Another significant advantage is that the buyer can save on traditional bank closing costs, which often range from 2%-5% of the purchase price.From the seller’s perspective, this financing mechanism will make it easier to make a sale in difficult market conditions.

good old traditional advice :)Invest in multiple private REIT/Real Estate fund backed by big name, and you are all set. 

Perhaps in the meantime you can pick up a traditional rental at 15% down within a reasonable driving distance, or alternatively, some lenders have been offering a 10% down vacation loan option-perfect for an Airbnb.