I'm hoping I find someone I can stick with, be loyal too, someone who will initially help me put together a portfolio of about 8 single family properties in safe areas that aren't war zones in the greater Saint Louis area (including suburbs).

Can you work with a different contractor who's willing to take a little less on each job since they know you'll be a repeat customer? 

Yes I would get a nonrefundable deposit if they want to customize the unit so that you can repaint if the deal falls through.Just make sure you have any of the disclosure paperwork if that’s required in your state.

.), but also the ability to define custom financing options or cash flow schemes.

Several websites in the United States are selling title deeds that purportedly grant the buyer ownership to frontier land on the moon.For US$24.99 , Lunar Embassy in California sells a piece of parchment that proclaims the customer the owner of an acre (43,560 square feet) of lunar real estate.

Just received an email with invoice that says they gave me the discount as though I’m a vip customer - a $200ish discount, and that the owner will discuss with the employee. 

@TJ SimonThink of who are the customers for contractors.

I just look at it as a compliment.Now if this was a one of a kind custom home, and not a development, that's a different story.

Complications in commercial financing where over time, customer balances varies, business conditions vary, which accounts for sharp business owners to be careful.

Knowing the financial status of their commercial customers is part of that.