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

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. 

The concept of New construction investment property was right it was just the process that caused the problem.

Note: Our initial goals are to wholesale to build immediate working capital (targeting $150k) and hold for cash-flow to build 10k/mo FCF (free cash-flow).We have made some cash buyer connections, identified and underwritten potential deals on hundreds of current deals, and developed professional relationships in our target community (cleaning, construction, governmental). 

You really run the risk of bad construction biting you.

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

This could include keeping track of the construction holdback.  

Your insurance is going to be highly variable and I wouldn't use what an agent or the seller tells you as the cost of dwelling policies have increased substantially over the past few years due to rising new construction costs. 

One way to do this is with brand new construction.