My painter was impressed enough with it that he now uses it in place of Porter.

@Nat Chan I can refer you to a painter.

The house needs quite a bit of updating before its ready to put on the market so I'd already booked painters, new carpet, appliances etc. plus my own travel from out of state so I could fix most other issues myself. 

Lucked out after trial and error with other "cheap" painters.

Or once the assessor comes back with his figures, am I likely to get more competitive figures if my property manager seeks various quotes from painters/cabinet makers/flooring contractors etc.

We've been lucky and have a great group of contractors (plumber, roofer, cabinet guy, granite guy, painter, etc that I would be more than happy to refer to anyone that needs good labor) but for the life of me I cannot find a good landscaper.

Painting will vary as well, a licensed painter will charge much more than an unlicensed one, best strategy is to ask actual contractors in your area.

I am currently looking for a painter because my HOA is making me repaint the garage door, so I will keep you posted on that. 

(wait for it) …..Sign painters.

The hardest trade to find, believe this or not, are great painters.