I won’t answer them all, but I will ask you a general question to get the ball rolling.Do you plan to pay all cash for the land purchase and construction?

It's really not the settlement agent's job to spend the time trying to get the seller to respond. 

I get threatened to be sued on a regular basis. 

Insurance also does get more expensive when it becomes a rental because now there's another, potentially, family and pet that can damage or destroy a property and insurance carriers have to protect against that. $1,600 feels pretty far for the course for a Raleigh rental (depending on property value of course). 

Small multi family tends to see much more consistent ROI.I will say in addition some of the best rental comps I get are off market, meaning I know what my clients are renting properties for and the rents tend to be substantially higher in many case compared to want zillow or MLS will show. 

The property currently has a county-assessed value of $849k and may appraise for more.Is there any possibility for me to structure the seller financing + bank loan such that l can end up getting a check at closing?

This will help avoid either of you getting into a legal battle.

There's not really any way to get around that.

I am new investor and trying to find properties that I can rehab/hold/sell but not having much success. I am facing two issues one finding properties and another finding good reliable lender. can someone please help?

I guess they're trying to get their foot in the door and maybe it will sell in 30 days.