This area is loaded with lakes so you see a lot of these small cottage style houses as well as very large newer builds.  

Like most a HELOC on our home which is basically just borrowing your own cash.There are lots of ways to start but I prefer to advise to change your life style and save the cash for a DP.Second option would be to partner with someone that has the cash and needs a strong back to assist. 

I have done my own research into this and seems that by being creative with the mail campaign (i.e. invitation style envelopes, dropping in a mint/candy, etc.) really helps entice the recipient to open the mailer, which is the hardest part I believe!

Most groups give you one or two for free before they start to hound you about paying for attendance, It's good to meet people to find out which ones fit your style, experience, and expectations the best.

Lots of trees and land "country" style living.  

You can also add thin planks here and there of different sizes to have a 3D style wall.

Our profit margins are only 6% on the whole so we are not marking it up like crazy and the cost of building is itself at cost (which as a GC myself is not a good idea but this being the first home we are pursuing in this style I am willing to do what I need to get it off the ground and learn from it.

I can see that others have already given some good advice, so I'll throw my 2 cents out there too..You said you two are preparing (financially) to retire and I assume you want a chill and relaxing style of retirement, right..? 

I believe I am a buy and hold style investor since I am currently working full-time in Cambridge.

As we all know the process should be to have all these liens cleared up as part of the clothes.