In the view of many clients working with contractors to them the job is not started if they do not see people working on the project but contractors spend a lot of time talking with architects, running down to their local building department to consult with authorities and knowing about permit requirement etc, and it is true that contractors do spend a lot of time just putting together a take off simply in order to put a bid together, however, unless a client agrees to pay for that bid or estimate its on the contractor to take that on as the cost of doing business and this is one reason so few contractors still offer to provide someone with a free estimate. 

Since he has no real authority over me, and is a private citizen like myself, what if any rights do I have against his bullying? 

@David Greene (author of the book), provides a very good blueprint to follow, when getting into out of state investing.

The author does not manage his own properties but I do and it's not so bad. 

Just go on the Housing Authority website and search for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.  

Send infraction letter, (and copy of photo) to the tenant, include in it 'immediate cease and desist', and inform them of your obligation to inform the proper authorities.  

If I do not receive payment Monday, a full week after closing - I will be contacting the authorities and taken appropriate action to receive payment.

Brokers, municipal authorities, etc will be able to provide you information but that's just a start.

For anything like check with the local town authority.

It's a guaranteed rent payment on the 1st of every month from the housing authority assuming their voucher covers 100% of the rent and usually get just slightly above market rent for each unit.If you have any questions feel free to shoot me a message.