or maybe not stroke a check but get back less than what your cash into it is.

This means you're getting back less than what you paid for the property. 

(That report came back less than favorable too).  

At the very worst you would possibly get your $ back less a bit of fees etc....... so next time you have doubts remember this; run your numbers, identify your value adds and your exits and go with it.

I would only state verifiable facts" I paid him, he did not do the work" and keep it simple like that.At this point I would allow him to do the job on the original terms, or just want my 7k back less the work he actually did.

., we were able to double close and did back to back. Less

This means, less than suitable assets will bring back less than desirable returns.  

The other option would be to have a layout more like an apartment where you still create a pony wall and have a backless oven or an L shaped island...not sure what the proper terms are, but I attached a photo to give you an idea of what I mean. 

This question confounded them enough for the city attorney to call me back less than two hours after I set the city ablaze with my phone calls. 

Your quote will come back higher or your profit will come back less than all your competitors if you are the guy spending the most.Spend lessQuotes can come downVolume will increaseYour fixed costs will be spread over greater direct installation costsYour margins will increase more and you'll have the profit margins you are missing now.