People. people, people.....  Listen and Learn...   I  have begun to ask for a  first time  retainer.  If a lawyer  can ask for  money  up front, why can't we?  If nothing else ask  for enough to cover   your expenses.  And,  if they don't pay.. sue  the S.O.B's.   and report them  to every  business agency you can.  And  post on here.    

Ask for  business references.  Who has worked   for you ?  If they  can't or won't answer,  move on and save yourself a  lot of pain.   

As  for them not being able to pay you  until they get paid.  They should   have  money  on hand  to pay.  That's crap.  If they  run their business   hand to mouth,  they have no business  being in business.  

Larry