I have morals and values and handle myself as such even in real estate.

I figured morally, to live with myself a bit, to do what most people said and return the majority of the deposit.

Contractor have the knowledge and tools/skills to steal@  Cost me $2,500.Moral of the Story-- If they are reputable, they will at least split the cost or pay for all of it as it was their error, or if they aren't--- consider this the cost of your lesson and find a trust worthy contractor.   

@Geoffrey Morales  Good question, everyone is in the same boat...I just finished repositioning / leasing all vacant units in the latest acquisition and stage 2 was to increase exciting rents. 

Thank God you actually spoke with a good lawyer.I may also add that you could let the law student know that if they file a frivolous lawsuit or otherwise behave in an unethical manner, they may not pass the moral turpitude test required of the Bar Association. 

It's a deep moral question of mine, hence why I came to all my friends here on BP.

I have some moral issues with the rent to own system….

No ethics/morality.  

I'm a good student and willing to do whatever it takes to succeed as long as it's moral and legal.

a bottle of whiskey to my father law, a bunch of sweat and blood, and becoming the guy that paid the highschool kid who needed money ( used to be me ) good money for an easy job . moral of that story is i saved 5 to 8 thousand dollars,***** if quotes were right i have no idea****.