Wearing my finance hat, I see tremendous value in a science degree.

I don't think over the next 10 years you could hang your hat on either one will be better than the other, but I think you can say they both will be great!

Appraisals alone are over $5k, LTVs for cash are low, rates are adjustable, loan is callable and I have to submit my financials to them every year, hat in hand. 

Our contractor just came back with a bid 20,750 - a bit higher than we expected so we are not to happy about hat although he is doing quite a bit for that cost from a value perspective.

They might wear that hat but they won't do as good of a job as we do. 

The people you describe are what I call "White Hats". 

And I know it can get frustrating when the appraisers are 6 weeks out but if you pay extra you can get one in 2 weeks  :)  Would be interested on your take on the subject.. and AMC is the bain to the industry.. it really hammers investors buying out of state and some pick of the hat appraiser is trying to appraise a property in Jackson MS that sold for 80k and they come up with a 20k value.. 

These might not be licensed, bonded, and insured types, but these are folks out hanging their hats as contractors - for better or worse.

You have to be balanced and prepared to wear many hats. 

I’m just putting on my financial advisor hat.