Securing Lending shouldn't become a hurdle is the Deal numbers works. 

@Earl White rent control and relocation costs equals NOT landlord friendly in my opinion.

The biggest factors, from what I can tell, are age and rebuild cost. 

No management costs?

What strategies do you recommend for securing hard money loans for spec builds?

That's like asking how much it costs to buy a car. 

My duplex - built 1989, 2,060 sf, 2 bed/bath, 1 year old roof, value if I subdivide (county already approved) and sell each separately $150k each ($300k total)Investor duplex - built 1995, 2,300 sf, 2 bed/bath, 5 year old roof, value around $310kThe investors initial request was for an equal trade and they would pay realtor fees, which I replied wouldn't be equal due to buying/selling costs (recording fees, title insurance, closing fee, survey, inspections, loan fees, 1031 fees, accountant fees, repairs), taxes would increase due to new sale price, I'd trade a 3.75% mortgage for a higher one, and I'm on the 10th year of a 30 year loan so resetting that to a new loan would restart amortization and pay more towards interest.

I feel this gives me the flexibility to find the right solution for my client and not just sell what my bank offers.I'll also throw in my 2 cents on common differences I've seen in my career:CDFIs - Because of their subsidized financing structure, they have the ability to be a low cost lender (and sometimes provide grants).

All strategies can be lucrative and all can be costly. 

May not be your cup of tea but they are cost efficient and they work to add passive income at a fraction of the cost to build a SFH.There are a few "Tiny Home" builders in Tampa and Manatee doing a ton of business.