If you feel the costs are too high for repairs, then ask to do them yourself...however, you need to make sure they are done properly and accept responsibility if there are problems. 

Let her know what you know, that it's not acceptable, and tell her she can go the easy way or the hard way.

Both of these options "should" drive your premiums down a good amount, and hopefully to a more acceptable level. 

It may be a little too late since you accepted the insurance money already, but typically you would have a contractor in place (Ideally multiple quotes) before accepting the amount quoted to you by insurance.If your insurance company referred you this company though then after doing more research on them maybe they are the best option?

My HOA only allows one pet but my tenants have a service dog and 2 ESAs and the HOA accepted them.

Buyer ultimately pays it all, anyway, as seller factors in costs before accepting offer.

Looking at a HUD home where the pressure test failed for the plumbing.

With regard to securing a tenant, I think you are attracting the applicants you want, but maybe are gun shy about accepting them. 1.

The issue here is that if you wait until may you are accepting the situation and that is what a judge may see.

What is considered acceptable records varies greatly from one CPA to another.