I have read some of the comments where some people offer referrals fees and practically take possession of the client. 

Simultaneously, I have sat in Ron's gotcha class.

Most folks think that this is referring to a practice called basis shifting which would allow your moms estate to sell property to you at an inflated price in order to take advantage of the tax free step up in the estate.  

If the drywall is in good condition overall and just needs cleaning and paint, this is probably you're most practical path forward. 

My question to this forum is, what's the best practice here?

It's not a bad idea, it's just going to be difficult to enable as a practical matter.

It isn't practical to find "affordable" GCs, at least we've not been able to in our rust belt market, where home prices are way below national average.

Some RE attorneys I have worked with have simply stopped practicing law inside the The City of Cleveland because the Housing Court is a Kangaroo Court. 

What are the best practices in negotiating a lower commission with a listing agent?

I'm a simultaneous renter and property owner who is looking into flipping properties in the Caribbean.