Wants are things we cannot have, so I will continue making it work the old fashioned way in the mean time. 

However, I found that many large apartment complexes, conversely, usually had a lease in some form or fashion that was rent due on the first, on the 2nd or, maybe 3rd, you're late, you got hit with one large late fee, say $75 or $100, then eviction filing would start on the 4th or 5th.

You get the benefit of having the work completed in a timely fashion, and not have to pay for work not done.Assign payment penalties to the phases... as they are smaller, the contractor can focus on that phase, complete it, get paid, then move to the next one.

If you are aware of any, would you recommend it or do you prefer it the old-fashioned way: checks?

The 6% commission model is no longer in fashion.

I guess I'm old fashioned.  

The worst part is the vultures you will come across, I believe in handling business the old fashion way were a man stands by his word in this business you will see people who will sell there soul for a dollar.

I need reliable guys that i can count on to get the job done in a timely fashion with reasonable rates.

Also I agree with everything else you have stated and that is why I suggested those things shouldn't be done because they raise red flags, but that doesn't mean someone will not operate in this fashion anyway. 

He completed the work in a timely fashion and did a good job.