you want to do everything in categories . home deopt may be just lumber and finishes . all of the other trades come with their own materials 

You are just having them spend money in an attempt to trade realized tax deferred liability into tax deferred liability.It depends on what they need/want. 

If this situation harms you, it may be worth selling and trading for something that produces less return but requires less work.

And the tools of the trade are always provided by the contractor, not his client.If your contract does not include some timeline for completion and/or milestones, I'd add it into future ones.

I am however handy, I have a degree in biology and I do have a trade skill set in automotive mechanics, and I am always willing to return the favor for anyone pointing me in the right direction.

Our plan is to keep trading up over time!  

That's why you invest, don't trade, in physical assets. 

It depends on if your real property trade or business is being a professional investor.

Are you talking about subbing it out to all the different trades yourself?

Ultimately Im looking to build equity in the home to eventually leverage and purchase another property or sell and trade up (1031).