Re-read your contracts, document your correspondence (and attempts) with your builder and demand documentation to match up any payments/draws with what's actually been competed on your build.

I am not sure there is an easy way to identify attorneys who have experience with note transactions without simply asking them.

Sometimes the best way to find the right type of mentor is simply growing your network and going about your business. 

I let my accountant know theres an error and he is attempting to fix it.

To prove payments you could simply show your latest statement to the lender denying you hundreds of thousands of dollars.

We do have a house we rent in the area and simply love it.

These are very risk gambles that should only be attempted with money you don't really care about.  

It is simply far too tenant friendly. 

I turn 40 next week and while I originally had a goal to be fully retired from my cubicle at 50...the idea of 10 more years simply hurts to think about it.  

REI is simply a place to park your money.