Qualify the contractor and highlight the benefits of working together which would include consistent work for them and regular paycheck.Personally, I'd buy the materials and never pay any money upfront, a "red flag" on its own.

I think most hosts give 5 stars unless there is a serious issue so even a 4 star is a red flag for me that I would check into. 

It would be a big red flag to me if they are doing a lot of volume in this market. https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/10145/83067-limited-partner-s-guide-to-investing-in-the-right-deal

Yes, the contractors were bad people, but there were hundreds of red flags waving in your face and you ignored them all. 

Red flags all the way around. 

or perhaps a reverse build to suit where the data center operator controls the buildout and the planning etc.I've not been involved in a data center first hand but the central OH market is pretty data and warehouse heavy as far as developments go and to echo the posts here, the power requirements are wild, and the red tape to get that power to the site is often cumbersome. 

My educational background is in science, but my personal background is rooted in the Midwest where I grew up on a farm and gained a skillset in everything mechanical. 

It is very unlikely that you'll have problems/be investigated for just one instance, but repeatedly doing this will absolutely raise red flags these days.

That extra cash flow isnt safety, its the market signaling with a big red flashing light, Risk.

Water is the root of all evil.