New roof - Licensed GC neccessary?

[Drew Denham]

I've flipped a dozen houses but no longer have my original go to roofer. I'm getting bids from GC's (example: $6400, $6500) and found another guy off of facebook for $5400 (supposedly insured).

My question - do you think its worthwhile to get someone who is licensed (and pay the extra $1000 - piece of mind) or try some of these other guys off of facebook, craigslist, etc (WITH the assumption that their references and insurance checks out).

The last thing I want to do is skip out on what is probably the most important expense for a home to save $1000. What if there is a leak? It's probably hard to go after someone who isn't licensed?

I'm just curious as to what others do.

Thanks,