As for a mortgage broker, well, as I mentioned in my post I have zero financing experience so I'm kind of groping around blindly there but I'll tkae your advice and start digging into brokers. 

Pick 3-4 ways of lead generating and DO THEM blindly for 6 months, that's usually how long it takes to actually see something come from them. 

If you decide this is a defect that the contractor needs to fix, I certainly wouldn't pay the full balance on blind trust, but right now it sounds just as likely as not that the contractor has nothing to do with your issue.

Right now it appears you're going in blind.

Soft to medium grays for wall paint colors look very soothing and contemporary; and wood (like) blinds will offer you the best ROI. 

A lot of these auction buyers are buying blind, then realize they have a tear down on their hands.

I'm trying not to be blinded by the cash, so how do I evaluate him?  

I could probably wake up tomorrow and this would change :), so don't quote me on this, but i think the one thing i can mention in this area is this: When you're trying to do a loan mod, don't be blinded with the money coming in (i.e. don't get greedy), you might get a good deal on the front end, go celebrate for a couple of months, until you wake up and realize that this deal did not match the home owner's situation and he/she is in default again.I always try to make the homeowner put a price they are comfortable with and i try my best to knock-off 10-20% of that monthly PMT to show goodwill and show that i'm trying to keep their homes by allowing them to make their payments on time. 

The trust is blind to all who see it.

@Richard Stover yes sir, I’m working with a PM and they suggested fridge, oven, blinds etc.