I am looking for work rehabbing/remodeling homes.

We went a little overboard on the remodel for a rental.

Some contractors can remodel a kitchen and put in flooring/paint, and some can build ground up.

He was considering my house a remodel even though I stated everything in the home is original and that I was only repairing damage from the foundation and making some minor updatesHe required that I get an electrical permit for 5 new lights I had an electrician run for me.

We used the “homeboy remodeling company” and the house still is not completed (almost ~10 months).

Remodeled Kitchen and Bathroom, updated AC Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

We know some people that are looking for rental (1-2 months) while they are finishing up their home re-modeling. 

We opted to deal with the “homeboy remodeling company” – mistake #1!

From my research, I understand that as a homeowner one is not required to issue a 1099 for the $ paid for the remodel.

To assess what type of upgrades to do and which will return for you - do some research into what other rentals in the area are renting for and scope of renovations they have - i.e. if the comparable rentals all have painted the 1970 cabinets - then you can do similar and not drop $40k+ on  full gut/ remodel.