We have had the same experience. My only recommendation would be to keep down out of pocket costs. We were doing deed chains for them for a bit and we mutually decided to discontinued that specific service. We gave them the option to pay half up front but that wasn't workable due to when they get paid by their client.

From what I understand, they don't get paid more often than that by their client, they do have a steady stream of work and do pay.

Entirely up to you how you proceed.

Luck!
Amy