I could have finished your sentences. I was in the same exact circumstances with my car. Same amount of money, even in a later comment where there were two businesses being run. My guy told me all about the shops you need to be careful of because they aren't trustworthy. Turns out he was speaking of himself. My problem was he did amazing work if and when he wanted to.
Be careful when you go to get your car from him. If your guy already "lost" some of your parts, you'll never know what you're missing until it's time to put it back together. Ask me how I know.