Is Having a Contractor's License like Having a License to STEAL?

[Brett Snodgrass]

So I have to throw this out there as it struck me funny on one of my podcasts that other day when doing an interview with a fix & flipper? He said "Having a contractor's license is like having a license to steal...   if you you get a good contractor, hold onto them like Grim Death" 

This struck a chord with me as I have had many contractors work with me on flips, and after several years, I only had 1 that I trusted left.

Well that all went to boot last week., when the flip that should have taken him 4 months, (he is on his 10th month) was at a halt. He had said he would be out there every week, but he wasn't showing up, and I had paid for materials directly to him for Cabinets, Hardwood flooring, ETC...in which he said he had in his warehouse, and I trusted him.

Finally I got fed up and said that I was going to have to find someone else to finish the job (About $20K left to do & it Was a total was a $70K Rehab JOB and I would like the Cabinets and Hardwood flooring I paid for and other materials back, or would like $10K back.  

He simply wrote a few smart comments and said he left 9K left on the job for me to pay (Even though it needs 20K total left to pay out, and that should be sufficient, and he said he might look around for a few fixtures he can throw my way, GOOD LUCK and Bye...

So I have worked with this same contractor on 5 other fix n flips and we had a great relationship, and he talked about his faith and I thought he would at least try to make it right or at least apologize for spending 10 months on this job and he was sorry he dropped the ball, but he didn't.. he just said Good luck while I take the money you gave me for materials.. Adios...

I don't believe is suing.. so, I will most likely just eat those cost of those materials..  But it bring me back...  I have worked with Dozens of contractors in my years, and No ONE is LEFT that I Trust?  Everyone has taken from me, not came back, lied, etc. 

So is this gentleman who I interviewed correct?  Do contractor's pretty much have a license to steal or is there a better way to go? 

Let me know your experience, and if you have any advice on this situation.  Thanks, Brett

[Account Closed]

@Brett Snodgrass  Your post is like that of a man who complains he can't find a decent girl yet his favorite meeting place is at a bar. 

Decent, honest and truly professional contractors are plentiful. I myself am one and I know many others.  Perhaps you are looking in the wrong places [bar].  It is true that you will pay more for a quality contractor but you will save money and aggravation in the end. 

Another thing: I understand that you're frustrated from past "heartaches" but don't let it make you bitter.  If you do, it will poison the atmosphere for when you do meet a good contractor.