It may be too late for you, but others might be interested in my experience.
My 10-year old Trane went belly-up during Hurricane Yikes three years ago - we suspect rapid cycling on/off of the power caused by the storm.
Anyway, my son has a neighbor who's tuned in to the immigrant Hispanic community. The neighbor put me on to a chap from Guatamala that does a/c work for an a/c company during the day and moonlights at night. He, in turn, was acquainted with one of his countrymen who makes a market in used compressor units (retrieved from replaced or (I guess) burned down homes).
So, he brings over a two-year old RUDD unit, replaces the kaput Trane, evacuates the system, and recharges everything.
This takes about 45 minutes starting at 8:00pm.
I give him $750 cash.
That was three years ago and everything is still working swell.
I guess the trick is finding that entry point to the underground economy.