I would suggest you find a good local hard money lender.

If not you, where could I get this type of mentoring and learning in my local area?

I'm in Orlando and am on the board for CFRI, the local chapter of the National REIA.

I’m a local STR Property Manager in the Mariposa/Oakhurst Community.

It looks like they are offering a lease as well but I would highly recommend paying a local real estate attorney for a lease.

In the future, a) get a super detailed Scope Of Work and ironclad Contract. b) Do not pay more money as a progress payment than the amount of work that has been performed, that way you are never ahead of the Contr or vice versa.Your options (depending on how much he owes you) are Small Claims Court, the State Registrar of Contrs, and possibly the local DAs office or State AG if the amount is higher ($50k ish)Good luck, let us know what happens.

If no response from the tenant within their legally allowed time, file in your local l/t court. 

Get around other local investors in your market.

Good investments can be made in any market provided one has excellent local market knowledge. 

Local and National.