I don't mean to cut corner, however I am trying work within the market parameters that I am bond to.

Get the phone number of their insurance company and have the agent send you proof of insurance or bonding.

The best way to get best interest rate is to timing the bond market, find time when the bond market falls and lock the rate at that particular date.The lender would just quote you the same range.

You'll have to eat this and learn the lesson, This is on you for not checking his License/Insurance/Bond/Workers Comp/Etc....First let it dry out and re-assess.....what does your flooring guy say?

Ultra short bond funds can essentially replicate those with a little more yield.

I've heard that accurately valued, true NNN leased properties are almost like bonds. 

go for appreciation.You can think about it in terms of stocks and bonds.

He may also have a bond on file, or insurance, that you can go after.Lastly, small claims court.

Also try and find out if the project carried a bond. 

I graduated with honors from a top 5 business school, worked for one of the 15 largest investment banks in the world and served as the lead analyst on dozens of bond offerings with a total value of more than $1 billion.