Then hire one that sounds competent and that you can get along with.

Be positive -  I would guess that over 95% of our clients complete their exchanges with properties they like.  

Reporting the proceeds you pay to seller on a 1099 sounds reasonable.

Sounds like strategy call would make most sense to see what your goals are with REI and being an agent to determine if the organization I represent aligns with the direction you are looking to go. 

Now, moving forward he offered for us to take it over completely.

I'm a broker in CA and that's just not possible, especially when you completed your due diligence in 10 and wanted to cancel escrow. 

How long would the reno take to complete? 

Sounds like there are more than just 2 options. 

Sounds like a good plan.

The conditions on the ground going into the project may not be the same as when you complete!