And it’s contributing to clogged arteries, bonding with plaque.

Ask for license and see if your local licensor requires them to be bonded ask for that, and their insurance. 

Despite the lengthy delay, the work performed was basic cosmetic updates, not high-end flips.

Bonds?

All of the net would be invested in equity and bond funds.  

In many states I get people 90%/100% even for beginners, CA is not one of them however has investing in that state is often pricey and lengthy timeline wise.In smaller markets between the ohio valley and the colorado rockies, there are pockets where newbies can sneak into the game for cheap and for quick. 

One's own story is always too lengthy to tell completely, but in short, that's what happened 

Is it lengthy wait?

If growing your SDIRA is the main game, think about mixing it up with other allowed investments in the SDIRA world, like stocks or bonds – it's like having a diverse set of cards in your deck.

Post bond & pass both tests.