contracting rehab at a distance

[Gary Parilis]

We just closed on an out-of-state duplex we intend to either BRRRR or flip (depending on how the appraisal turns out). During the inspection period we got a quote from a GC -- much higher than we'd expected but low enough to still go thru with the purchase. He gave us a detailed itemization of the costs, and some items seem much too high. We'll get quotes from other GCs, but we're sure the job would be much less expensive if we hired a bunch of individuals:

- kitchens and baths

- flooring

- exterior repairs, siding, windows, gutters

- interior and exterior doors (these seemed way high)

- trim, paint

- electrical

- plumbing

- appliances

But this would all be very difficult to manage from afar. Have you tried this? How has it worked? What advice do you have? Are there certain pieces that are most likely to cost much less if we go to the source? At a minimum, the exterior repairs, siding, windows, and gutters seem like an obvious choice.

Thanks.