You'll spend more time and money trying to mask it. 

So you could spend your time finding a good deal if you don’t have any money.

You will have to spend time getting to know people so that you know if you trust them and trust their numbers.I don’t know anything about construction but I’m willing to learn, is this strategy for me?

I am willing to spend some money (what I can actually get back if redeemed) as I would like to end up with the land.

Sounds like someone has been spending way too much time on conspiracy theory websites. 

But one fact is certain:  We're spending $2500 /mo on a VACANT home right now and have been for several months...

Once the house is sold, the seller will have to spend the proceeds on their medical care and other normal expenses.

Remember you have to spend xmas with these people...!

What's even more important is how to get those numbers that you put into a calculator or excel sheet.As someone once told me, "garbage in equals garbage out".Spend time understanding where all the numbers come from and that they are valid estimates.Best of luck, feel free to reach out for any questions or anything I could help with!

Any investment is a gamble - not as risky as the craps table, but never guaranteed - and you shouldn't be gambling with your future.