Small claims court might take your side a little since you have a record of him not showing up to appointments and being non-responsive to information requests.There is likely a state contractor's board you can report him to. 

I'm interested in setting up an appointment, but waiting to save up more cash to start.How does Clayton Invest make their profits?

Yes, I went to my intake appointment last month and was told to save a designated amount for three months consecutively.

It's not a big deal for the landlord, except for when people drop by unannounced, no appointment, and get all bent out of shape when they find out it's only half the house for twice the rent.But a scam is a scam, and it needs to be stopped somehow.

each state has different rules of conduct for licensee's and non licensee's.. in the 3 states I am licensed in .. non licensed folks simply cannot talk price or numbers... they can do paper work send docusigns  set appointments etc. 

Use your $5k to appoint it well.  

Do you schedule all of your own appointments after a lead has responded to your marketing or do you have a VA schedule appointments?

Touchstay for a guidebook is a nice touch. 

In addition to vacationing around Asheville, NC a few years ago staying in a basement apartment (cozy but well appointed) we have been surfing AirBNBs in the Jacksonville area for the past 4 months waiting for our house to finish.

Personally, I use this is a tool to not just wholesale, but to also set appointments if they do want to put their home on the market.