No matter if you invest in a 401K, IRA, Individual Stocks and Bonds, Real Estate, Gold, etc., you need goals.   

Thank you for taking the time to read this lengthy post.

Between a large chunk of savings bonds from my late grandparents and personal reserves I will be able to show at least $30,000 in reserves above and beyond my down payment. 

My agent’s client had this property under contract for over 6 months, as typical short sales are a lengthy process.

I wasn’t selling bonds filled with junk in them and neither were most flippers.

I'd complain to your state board, and if there is a "contractor's bond" imposed in your state, that is your best recourse, you need papers papers, papers.

If they taper their bond buying and allow long term rates to rise significantly then we will see a crash to a degree, maybe just a healthy correction. 

My posts can get quite lengthy since I love to hear myself type, ya know :)I've been in construction on the industrial/commercial side for most of my career and handy around the house mainly out of necessity.

I'm reading your post to my GC b/f, he advises "it doesn't matter if you have it in writing or verbal, contractor is legally required to assure a permit is pulled for the work, regardless.Work is not suppose to be started until then.Options are, to call license board and his bond may cover to remedy/satisfy inspections, permits, etc.. but, may open can of worms. 

More often then not the sellers have a reason for not wanting to go through lengthy marketing campaign.