This particular contractor was shady (tried to get paid earlier than his schedule, claimed the property passed "first inspection" while all they got was a permit, etc....)Please advise how I should move forward as I am meeting him tomorrow.

However I do believe you can probably just like BP  DIY  not sure you need any guidance to get credit cards.They then claim to roll you into business unsecured Lines of credit..

Not only would I give him back what he was asking for but I would give him all of the money back that you cannot claim yet and just accept payments when they are due.

This man claims to be a private lender.

Attorneys have the same opinion but one they suggest it is up to me to shut off or leave it on and claim..

It's not productive to fight for damage reimbursement in Small Claims court and at the same time no way to stop somebody from not paying last month's rent when they given Non Renewal notice.

I have one but didn't get one until we purchased our 19 unit building.Personally, I wouldn't bother with the land trust (unless you are very worried about being annoyomous, which in this day and age our data is everywhere anyways.) and just quit claim into the LLC. 

It may be true, commanders dont have the authority to order their troops to pay their bills however, I now know that I can take a claim to the post finance office or provost marshal who will usually help with settling the claim.I served 10 years active duty and I did see people who were labled as you put because they were unable to manage their finances.

What issues regarding claims if I ever need to make one? 

are on the rise during the pandemic, and they claim it's here to stay.