I do question though what someone would be doing needing a compressor with a 220 and would bet they are doing side jobs on cars in the garage.  

(It's not a huge fee compared to some I've heard of- if he were asking 10k or something I'd definitely tell you to run away) I'd bet your 'mentor' has had some folks who wanted to learn from him who turned out to be duds, like Joel experienced.

I’m not familiar with CA laws, but your best bet is to consult local counsel.

You bet.  

If you're wanting to have more personalized service and be able to speak with your PM all hours of the day, a smaller boutique company will probably be your best bet.

I'll bet he made an unsolicited sale or two this way, like on his Monte Carlo SS.

for small stuff like doorknobs though the habitat RE store is usually the best bet...but for other stuff the commercial desk is great..

When you look on the open market, I will bet that you can buy a completed home that is in move-in condition for $70,000.Of course these numbers are all picked out of the air, and I had no idea what your market is like, but as an investor that has rehabbed countless fire damaged properties, it is no picnic.

I'd bet these lenders have much bigger fish to fry than going after a paying customer.

Bet you will find some discrepancies.