It is not unreasonable to ask for suggestions of standard materials & material suppliers that are included in their budget.  

Since many stores are just brokers for suppliers I'm hoping I can find someone that would like the steady business and be willing to help more when there are problems.TIA for any input.

I'd love to do some house flips as I feel I've been on the supplier end for a while now, but I feel I need more experience before I plunge into something major like that.

We may have to find a recyclable or returnable carpet supplier next time.

What if he doesn't pay is workers or material supplier?

From NCUC: "The rates shall equal the cost of purchased water or sewer service (The usage rate charged by the provider shall equal the usage rate charged by the supplier.).

There are many data suppliers now.

Since it looks like you'll be buying with cash, that gives you a little bit of an advantage over the typical buyer on the MLS but also keep in mind that turn key companies have much lower construction costs because of the volumes they do with suppliers and their crews.

Contractors- I wanted to start a thread listing the different suppliers we're all using.

Walk to a local plumbing/electrical/lumber supplier or a local supply house, they usually have a few biz cards laying around.