I have 20k in initial investment capital due to a hiring bonus but also have 120k in student loans (fyi: after much research, for me it'll be to invest first then to pay off the loans).  

Come up with some kind of profit split with a bonus clause that incentivizes them to finish within budget and on time.

This is for many reasons, but primarily it increases risk and exposure to us the lender. 

I have mine set up that way, but that's also because I have other businesses that I want protected from liability exposure.  

Everyone likes to talk about themselves - just a bonus you can get in tight with new boss while getting a lesson on building a business.Good luck.

A $10,000 bonus to buyers agent if closed by January 1, 2016 might do the trick. 

They get a bonus and the year is ending.

The land is something the other investor already owns so that a big bonus for us.

Doing so will limit your exposure to litigation for Fair Housing violations.

There are those that would 'react' to that issue and those that wouldn't note/care.The issue or effects of long term exposure are not known - - if anyone can cite authoritative reference, that would be interesting.