How to I ensure I get paid once I assign the contract .

What systems do they have in place to ensure you have transparency into your investments at all times?

As prior posters, mentioned you can file a judgment and the chance to collect maybe low, but the key is to secure your property and ensure no further damage is being done to it at the moment. 

What will it cost for you to pay someone to do all the yard work, shovel snow, and ensure the trash cans are moved back and forth? 

You do need to consult with an attorney and CPA to ensure it's done properly from both perspectives. 

If Austin doesn't go full left-wing-permissive-seattle-style and ensures those services have conditions and boundaries, so that they don't get the "Freeattle" reputation then the shelter won't draw an outsized proportion of people from all over who just want handouts,  instead it will be more likely to draw people from Austin actually looking to turn things around.   

I don’t think I used any brand specifically but rather ensured that the product had a lifetime warranty.

Insurance Requirements for Sub-Trade Contractors: Trade Contractor shall ensure that all tiers of his Sub-Trade Contractors shall maintain insurance in like form and amounts, including the Additional Insured requirements.

@Darrell Brock I agree with @Anthony Ward Use the calculators and ensure your numbers works.

You should record that as a mortgage / deed of trust to ensure you get paid.