So I am looking to substitute as much of my cash as possible.

Substitute TN with SC and GA with NC... and I am, today, going through what you describe.

About what I thought ... there are still no substitutes for trust but verify ... when you need to fire them for cause mid way through a draw period do you tell them sorry but no more $, pay them up to the next draw period even though they haven't finished (and have them sign a release), negotiate something in between (and have them sign a release), or wait until they finish up to the next draw to terminate them right after cutting that last check (and have them sign a release)?

While that will give you an idea of soil suitability - it isn't a substitute for hiring a LOCAL soil scientist.

The temporary fix or the freon substitute is going to be +-50% of the cost of a totally new system with a 5 yr compressor warranty The home warranty will not work as pre existing conditions or repairs during the first 30 days are limited.  

There is no substitute for getting out there and doing it.  

IMO there is not substitution for experience in running and forecasting a restaurant.

That takes hands-on and lots of it, not just a couple 'hands-on' seminars.There is zero substitute for experience.

Their is no substitute for actual hands on experience.

Great advice already in the above posts, but there is no substitute for meeting people in person who are already where you aspire to be.