Sorry to hear that. I do wonder though, how does one end up in that situation? Is it common practice to put that much time and effort into fixing up a place when all you have is a contract? Wouldn't a prudent person wait until they actually owned the property?

I'm not taking sides. I just honestly don't understand how something like this happens. Obviously Rick hasn't broken the law. He may be unethical, underhanded, and a dirty scoundrel, but none of those are illegal in and of themselves. Sounds like he didn't do anything criminal, at least not in the eyes of the law. Perhaps a civil lawsuit? But that's just more money down the drain.

Sorry to see things go so sour.