The alternative is getting a court order which, absent the other methods, relies on publishing in an adjudicated newspaper. 

Alternatively, you may want to look at purchasing a duplex of 4-plex with a FHA loan, living in one unit & renting out the other(s) for a year or two, then holding it strictly as an investment.  

The developer may have gone broke if he couldn't get earlier units leased out (or sold) to keep the construction lending going.Joplin is one of those strange economic situations where it used to be great in its start as a lead mining town, but never really had much going for it other than being a truck stop for Interstate - 44.

I'm currently a truck driver with zero experience in the real estate world  but I have great respect for the field.

Here is the information for a cheaper alternative.

Are alternative assets their sole focus?  

Alternately you can become their "Assistant" (annual fee applies), and get your own login details if they are receptive to allowing that.

He claims it was due to him closing the account because his truck was broken into and checks and other personal material was stolen.He claimed he was going to send a new check, but that hasn't happened, and he's stopped responding to me.What are my best options at this point to collect the earnest money that he owes me contractually?

Many smaller storage facilities have some outdoor storage for Trucks, RV's, and other items on wheels.  

Here's an alternative link, let me know if this one works:  http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/615-W-Saint-Catherine-St_Louisville_KY_40203_M30498-88981.I'm with you on not living in or investing in rough parts of town which is why I never even look at anything in the west end.