Annually, I manage multimillion dollar construction projects and operations of a large scale facility.

My bet is they won't be happy about it.  

In working on construction loan financing, the lender informed me I'll need to unencumber that portion of the property (makes sense) before closing on the construction loan.I understand there to be two methods generally speaking: refinancing my mortgage and removing that portion of the property in the process OR attaining a partial release from the lender to remove that land.I *strongly* want to avoid refinancing as I have an amazing rate, but partial releases seem complex and also require a survey.

Also, doing your own research on newly renovated or constructed homes that have recently sold in the area on Zillow or similar websites can be a good first step as well. 

You really run the risk of bad construction biting you.

Philly is your best bet. 

I do some construction myself and have an extensive team of framers/ electricians/ plumbers / HVAC ect. 

Budding new investor which is great since I'm also working for a real estate lender for both commercial & investor with construction services. 

This could include keeping track of the construction holdback.  

I would start by talking to a lender who deals with construction loans.