No, it's not cheaper because you get discounts through these companies.   

As an Airbnb shareholder from IPO I like what they do hiring third world reps to handle issues, but as a PM company owner and STR owner I despise it. 

Well I really don't care, I need information and cannot do a darn thing until these are set up!!

I'm sure he could give you some pointers on setting up a business and creative ways to save money.

Call a different number you found online associated with the same company, etc. 

This would apply to your unit.Your biggest concern with setting the rent should be the near future. 1) Your insurance is guaranteed to go up, probably dramatically.  2) You may get an insurance assessment bill to cover the CA Fair Plan losses.

I would list natural and inexpensive methods of "curing cancer" that of course don't make money for the doctor and pharmaceutical companies, so they are not utilized.

Inevitably there will be some "friction points" that you'll have to discuss/mediate, but ultimately if they are not willing to adopt a majority/all of your processes, then I think you mutually set up a date that works for them to move. e.g. 60 days, 90 days, etc...

the company I went with was 12k and performed high quality work.

And each stage has it's set of rules.