Struggles with a Columbus Contractor as a Remote Investor

[James Luctamar]

Hi BiggerPockets Community,

Im reaching out to this knowledgeable and supportive group for some guidance on a situation I’m currently navigating as a remote real estate
investor.

I'm a remote investor who's recently encountered a challenging situation in Columbus, Ohio. After a successful rehab of a multi-family property, I gave a larger project to the same General Contractor. Unfortunately, the GC's responsiveness has dropped significantly, and communication is sporadic, though he does stay in touch with my realtor occasionally. We're about halfway through the project, and there's a $30k He has for work that's not yet completed (the 30k was given because he completed work prior but once he received the 30k communication diminished drastically right as winter came around! .

This situation is not only frustrating but also time-sensitive due to the looming loan deadline. I'm seeking insights from those who have navigated similar waters, especially in remote investing scenarios. How do you manage contractors and ensure project progress, particularly when
you can't be physically present and under tight time constraints?

Your insights and experiences would be incredibly valuable and much appreciated. I'm eager to learn from this community and find a way forward in this situation.

Thank you for taking the time to read and share your thoughts!