Another milestone reached!

I then pay installments for milestones with final payment due at 24 hours after completion.

Why was the bank approving the draws even though the presumed milestones were not achieved?

Hi everyone - I have finally hit a major milestone and I wanted to share it with this community.

Set up milestones and pay promptly upon completion of those milestones, because he has people to pay as well.

This way you're paying the contractor in installments as the project meets certain milestones.  

Since it's family, it's arguably more important to ensure you're doing what you can to preserve those relationships.I would recommend having a contract, complete with milestone check in dates so there isn't an unending sense of feeling like you're on the clock. 

Also if you can make a connection with someone or even the agent, I would be willing and offer to pay someone to check in on the progress of the project during certain milestones.  

Josh,Congratulations on reaching a great milestone.

This will give you milestones to trigger the formation of LLCs, using private money, acquisition goals, etc.