Finally, you post that your market is super hot for buyers, but then you don't mention what market you are referring to. 

Happy to provide you with references if you ever decide to try it out in Memphis TN.

Can't you come together and figure out a solution where he returns and addresses your concerns and collects the $2K?

Cheap a la carte solutions already exist for everything you mentioned. 

Quote from @Zach Edelman: Should be a list of Bigger Pockets recommended list of Hard Money Lenders to refer to as well/make the search a bit less overwhelming.  

Please let me know if I can refer you to my contacts to discuss. 

Not easy, especially given where you're investing and, if you can't do that, love money might be the solution.

Since this is my first go around - I'd really appreciate advice on the following:- any references on lawyers /firms to work with to go through the Barment and foreclosure process without breaking the bank.- Ball park ranges - what can I expect the cost of this process to be?

Quote from @Sean O'Keefe:In your article you said, We had a recent court case which said in black and white: you cannot calculate an average if you do not have at least two numbers to average.Can you provide the court case reference? 

If you believe the solution to your problem is how much you are paying a real estate agent, the problem is not with the real estate agent.