I spoke a few banks. Very few seem receptive at all to the idea of providing, what i've come to call: Exploratory Financing.
An unsecured line of credit to do preliminary architectural work and planning, as well as secure the property, before submitting a full proposal.
After talking with the builder, we think that we may be able to get away without such a formal process. He's also receptive to formalizing his LEED for Homes builder status, so there's progress to be had this week.
Will call Ledonne in the AM to give him an update.