I was a loan officer myself until about two years ago. When the economy got bad I was forced to get out of the business.
I'm sure this isn't going to be of much help but I do know from being in the business that we are often forced to make promises or give someone a 90% guarantee and then strange stuff happens. You can be ready to close on a loan and have the underwriter just say 'no' or give the loan officer some extreme tasks to do for a 'clear to close'. Chances are, this guy isn't getting any of the $300-$400 that you gave him. It probably went to an appraisal or something of that sort.
Now, with all that being said, there is no excuse for this COWARD not to call you back, take your calls or accept your visits. And it is possible he is just a flat out CROOK. I was trying to give this guy the benefit of a doubt but when he avoids you as he does, it's hard to defend him.
I just know that quite often someone would ask me to do a loan for them, tell me that their house is worth $200,000 and then you find out it's worth $100,000. And we can only take your word on that part of it until we get an appraiser out there. As far as the credit goes, they should have an idea of what they are dealing with before you even show up at their office.
Good luck to you. I lost TWO homes, got divorced at the same time and now I live in a two bedroom apartment with my new spouse, two step kids and one of my own. So I do feel your pain.