I am looking for information on employment verification and what the government has to say about it vs. what the bank has to say about it.

(c) Assists or offers to assist in filing an application for the purchase or lease of, or in locating or entering upon, lands owned by the state or federal government. 

Its government stuff so sometimes they can be a pain on things, but I've never lost a deal once it was inked.They are moving way faster over there than they were last year, the ones priced right are getting gobbled up, you really don't have a week to ponder things if its a real deal. 

Timing is a waste of time.Any data you do find is monkey math manipulated out the wahoo to tell a story that the government/Federal Reserve wants to convey.

Are there rules of thumbs governing this decision?

Don't make a habit out of backing out, or you will lose all credibility.

Our government is after all you profits.

They're probably not reporting your money to the government, which could create tax problems for you down the line, and by not having a contract they are less bound to the job and more free to walk off when they want.

You are putting a deposit down for the appropriate governing body to foreclose on the property for delinquent property taxes.

Lastly, adding a profile pic will make a big difference in adding credibility.