I received my email stating that I should receive their contract within a week.

Private message me for my email and I can give you a few contractor contacts to come check out your project/needs. 

After that, I used local community banks and put 20% down, then hard money 20% down, then 100% hard money, now private.

After having talked with an extremely smart, aggressive (maybe more assertive) but "definitely on top of things" real estate agent yesterday who emailed me all the different marketing materials she uses (I was really  impressed!)

The would give them my search criteria and have them email the comps.

Let me add that in most private markets, there are no standardized deal structures or terms. 

Real life example, that meant my PM replaced the garage door opener and sent me an email with the invoice. 

I had a fix/flip in Barstow,  I own a three unit in Lake Elsinore, and I was the private lender on a handful of properties in Barstow, San Jacinto, Hemet, and Blythe.  

You could email these clients and suggest they ask for a refund of all charges.

Big change from Alaska to NC I imagine...I have someone in Charlotte I'd like to connect you with, please shoot me an email to discuss.Best of luck to you!