Depends a lot on where you're building. In some places you might be able to qualify for a loan by working through one of the "construction consulting" companies like OwnerBuilder Network or UBuildIt or Build4Yourself or by hiring someone with a license to be your on-site supervisor. In other areas, there are banks that specialize in making owner-builder loans. In others (like mine) becoming a registered "builder" is as easy filing a little paperwork with the state and paying a registration fee - then, once you're a registered builder getting a construction loan becomes a whole LOT easier and banks don't seem to care if you're building your own "forever home" or a spec home you plan to sell.

You might also try talking with a local "mortgage professional" since they may already know which banks are likely to approve an owner-builder construction loan.

And, depending on where you live here are some websites that might be helpful:

http://ownerbuilderloan.com/

http://www.buildmax.com/

http://www.nationwideconstructionloans.com/ownerbuilder.php

http://www.ubuildit.com/

http://www.myconstructionloan.com/owner_builder.htm

http://www.constructionloans.com/html/owner_builder_programs.html

http://ownerbuildernetwork.com/

http://www.build4yourself.com/

http://lfshomeloans.com/construction/owner-builder-construction-loans.html

If you're building a rural home, Farm Credit Services also loans to Owner/builders. Not sure if they are national, or just a Midwest lender, though.

We acted as the general contractor in our build.. Though we end up not getting a loan, Farmers Credit Union and a local bank would of financed our owner build. The key is do not start construction until you have secured a loan. We had gotten about half way through our build before we tried to secure a loan. Having a half completed home was more of a issue than not using a licensed general contractor.

Good luck!

Here is a link that might be useful: Our owner build