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

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

I also avoid contractors who have dedicated sales people who drive logo wrap vehicles.I tend to support diversity where contractors who were born outside of the United States or were Veterans in the Armed Forces have worked out best for us.What are your best practices for choosing contractors?

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.  

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

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. 

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.

We’re practically neighbors!

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