No offense to real estate agents (and I am a licensed agent myself), but you won't find real estate deals here in Seattle on the MLS through realtors in today's hot market. 

Stay away from that contractor they are a criminal. 

You also need to be VERY careful about what you post online as that may be considered a civil and criminal offense for soliciting the sale of unregistered securities.

What do you have in place for rental criteria regarding criminal background?

No offense.  

-the do full due diligence on the builder (former client references, subcontractor and supplier references, contractor credit report, criminal background check, business credit report, drivers license and w-9)-they do a through pre-loan analysis of the project reviewing plans, budget, contract, appraisal, permits-after each draw inspection is reviewed, they make recommendations on if the bank should make the next draw-they ensure home is built free of mechanic liens

Check for criminal history at least!

All recorded docs, all court filings (criminal and civil), and any local death/obit notices and vital stats.  

No offense but there must be something that you can purchase in your chosen housing market.

These guys got what they deserved and there is never enough punishment to make up for this openly criminal behavior.Unfortunately, upfront fees and due diligence cost are a reality and anyone pursuing a commercial loan needs to be aware that just because a lender or mortgage broker asks for an up front fee, does not mean that they are crooks.