I went through the same thing. I'd been looking for someone for almost two years, and saw the same ad for Blake in CA as well as contacted someone in Marietta, OH. The problems I had with both is I couldn't see examples of their work and they couldn't see my parts beforehand. I know someone here in Michigan that does, in my opinion, excellent work, but it still wouldn't be local to you. I found him by accident through another member here, Kevin D. He worked with him and had his 750 done and posted pictures.
The painter was about a hour drive from my home, but I was able to show him the parts, etc. I had the stripes from Reproduction, but as it turned out, they were too long. I've heard that they will work with you if you have a tracing of the original stripe, bit I did not. The painter and I were able to work out a solution, trim them from the front. This left the border pin-striping open so he said he could hand paint one and close it. It's that kind of dialogue you can only have in person. I ended up paying $800 for mine, but how much you pay depends more on how much prep work is needed. One of my fork ears had some rust through pin holes and he leaded them closed and prepped, etc. Also the side covers had been rattle canned black at some point, so those had to be carefully stripped. Having seen Kevin's and I knew he was experienced at doing vintage cars as well, I was comfortable and it's the best $800 I've spent on the bike. The stripes are buried in clear to the point you would think they were painted on. I still can't get over how it looks when I walk into the garage.
I know it's not easy, but try to find someone local if you can.
