I have some questions on removing Popcorn Ceilings

[JD Barrera]

I'm in the process of closing on my first home which will be my primary residence and I'm looking to take advantages of the "house hacking strategies" by: 1) having a friend move in and pay some rent and 2) general updates to add value to the home in case I need to sell earlier than expected. To address 2) the first thing I want to do is removing the popcorn ceilings in the home. I'm debating about doing this myself to save some money and I'm also trying to get quotes from local contractors. I'm finding, as has been said in the podcast many many times, that the contracts are very slow to get back to me. So my questions are:

Has anyone ever removed popcorn ceilings themselves before? I have been watching a bunch of videos and reading up about it. Seems doable... just messy, but since the home will be empty when I plan to do this, that should make things easier. If you have done this, do you texture the ceiling after removing or just paint it? .. that's one thing I have not found online yet. 

Also, if anyone has any contract referrals to do this in the San Jose, CA area that would be very appreciated. In general, what should I expect to pay?

Thanks!

[Jeff B.]

CAUTION:  Popcorn ceilings typically contain Asbestos and if so, require a certified contractor to remove it.  

a) get it tested before you begin

b) DIY if/only-if the test comes back negative

Most interesting as we are at (a) ourselves in So. Calif.