Contractors and Estimates

[Michael A Rytina]

Hello-

Getting ready to do my first rehab project and have a few questions

I am not a licensed contractor, but will be doing the majority of the reno myself (I have the time and some knowledge to be deadly ! ) Getting my feet wet and no need to quickly get it relisted within a month 

Is it best to pay a licensed contractor to at least come in and give an estimate, as opposed to me just winging it ?

Also, does anyone know the average cost to get an estimate for a SFR less than 2000 square feet?

I imagine a good contractor will charge a small fee but then deduct this is he does the work

Thanks for any input !

Mike