@Deisy P if i can self-manage a duplex in a C neighborhood for 17 years (through tears,blood and sweat), as a single, Black, deaf woman. You can do anything you set your mind to. I too was conned but not for such an amount. I am so sorry that degenerate took advantage of you and i believe in KARMA. My advice, always get 3-5 quotes and follow your gut instinct. If you feel uneasy or too good to be true, just tell the person you will get back to them. Some will be upset. Too bad. I've taken risks, like driving to the property of someone who cashed my check then ceased communication. They weren't too smart since they gave me their address :) But i threatened to call the cops and got my money back. The other person i went ahead and filed a small claims even though i knew they were not going to show up in court and it cost me like $30 to file :) Just to teach them a lesson. It took me years to finally find a go to handy-man. I don't deal with GCs. I have read too many horror stories and i don't have bail money :)...anyway, I benefit from reading a lot in FB groups to see other people's experiences to know what to expect, how to approach people in this business (speak the language), etc...bottom line, never even depend on referrals from friends. I've read too many cases where even friends of friends ripped someone off. I actually prefer a business that i have vetted and do not pay cash. I write checks and sometimes you have window to cancel it. If CC even the better. I dispute the charges with the credit company. Join more women groups on FB...hang in there...do not give up. Deduct that loss during tax time. You got this!
