Seems pretty safe compared to other investments.Details: They are considered safer, but typically offer lower returns compared to stocks and real estate.

While cases like this are not as common as the media makes it seem, even 1 of these horror stories is too many.Ok.. rant over... 

However in the past I've done the majority of the physical labor on the jobs, and have grown weary of this part of the process, I've tried hiring contractors but pricing seems so high it's hard to make deals work, so my question is where do you find people to hire full time for general work like drywall, flooring, painting, etc.....

The numbers actually seem ridiculously low to me. 

Your choice seems based on what this contractor has to lose, ie.

His pivot towards new construction might seem surprising at first, but it aligns perfectly with his principles.

I've looked at a bunch that seem good initially, but then a little digging reveals more problems.

I am intrigued by this only because it seems fairly reasonably priced for a duplex, much less a brand new one.

Seems like overkill though, IMHO.

It seems impossible to not let them know your identity.