This why vetting upfront is so important.On the other hand, a larger contractor may have real assets in the company or even a reputation that they want to protect so they want to find away to avoid getting into legals which waste time and money for them.With respect to contract size, in reality anything under 100K is not worth a full blown lawsuit as the legals will eat you alive even if you win; small claims court may be your best bet if you are OK managing the process or maybe using a paralegal.On the emotional side, I strongly urge you to put that aside.

I have an interest in getting involved with real estate investing in the near future, specifically rental properties.

It's a bit more involved than it may first seem.

There are many ways to get involved in the real estate market besides buying with an agent, and she knows more than most agents will ever learn Haha.

I'm not exactly "new" to BiggerPockets but I've recently committed to being more involved, so I'd like to introduce myself.

I think Hayward is a good bet. 

. $5,000 doesn't go very far in a remodel if any systems or appliances get involved.  

Talk to an attorney, but I wouldn't just because the process involves risk if the deal falls through.

I would think that would be your best bet.

The tenants you did get for the 6K SF through this agent, were these deals co-brokered or did it involve just the listing agent (your agent)?