I was going to go into business with a contractor to build spec houses. I own the land. He was to do the work and we were to split profits after all expenses 50/50. I funded most aspects of the endeavor; materials, payroll, equipment rental, cash expenditures for materials and equipment. The contractor redirected many of these funds to the construction of his personal residence. His residence is now on the market and I want to attack a lien to recuperate my funds. He actually owes me approximately $235,000. His unfinished home and 15 acres are on the market for $225,000. I would like to lien for the max amount with funds available to pay the brokers/agents and whatever costs are require to pay out escrow. I have receipts for materials, equipment rental but I made payroll ($20K) in cash at his request. We have no formal agreements in writing. He misrepresented himself in multiple ways, I discovered his is a felon on parole, convicted of bank robbery, he as no contractors license, bonding or insurance. The ONLY way I have of regaining my losses are through this method. I will ultimately be filing criminal charges but I want to see if I can get some of my money back first. I sent out a LOI to lien 8.14.22 by e-mail, not exactly sure of the date he received the letter. To add further to the confusion, in order to cover himself, he has put his personal residence in his wife's name. I'm not sure if there is any other avenue to pursue funds. I'm fairly certain he has no money. He has recently been arrested and incarcerated for violation of parole (he pulled a gun and threatened to kill someone). Yep, my mother always told me I know how to pick 'em!