For example, I did not check as many references as I should have for the contractor, I did not know a lot about his construction background or past successful projects.

@Justin WindhamThank you so much for the warm welcome and the reference material.

I'd love to hear who you are being referred to for my own use also.RegardsColin

If it would be valuable to you let’s connect I can refer you to some people to talk to if you’d like.

But research them and ask for references.

You can warm them up, walk them through the through process to get them from problem aware, to solution aware, to building your own credibility (why me and not the other 50,000 house buyers in my city). 

At the time, I thought I wouldn't even be able to find financing, but I pushed forward and was able to find a solution.

Does the negative balance indicate that there is a unpaid taxes debt to the county (meaning, if I see debt in the county account it should be referring to the same debt)?

I am referring to the roof or sidewalk.

@Alexander Vasquez this is going to sound like a non-solution, but just be grateful to be in the position you’re in.