Home warranty for rental properties in Philly

[Sudhir N.]

I have a few triplexes in Philadelphia. A certain management company runs everything for me end to end. The fee they charge per month is reasonable in the 4-4.5% range. They also charge one month rent for placing new tenants which isn't too bad. Where I get dinged very badly is maintenance. The company has its in-house handyman who tries to take care of most issues, but charges $90/hr which I think is excessive. It should be in the $70-$75 range for a licensed handyman in Philly is my opinion. For issues he can't solve, the prop mgmt company brings in outside vendors, who charge me like crazy. Unclogging a drain running auger for 3 ft -- $310; replacing thermostat in a water heater - $650. I dispute and eventually claw the crazy charges back, but it's becoming a nuisance. 

a. Is the above story all too common?

b. I am looking to outsource maintenance to a different company. Need references

c. Should I just buy home warranty and let the tenants call the company for issues they run into? [exceptions will be roofing related issues]

BTW, all the properties are new construction and less than 2 years old. I am very shocked by the steady stream of maintenance requests I have had to deal with in the last 4-6 months. Please advise.