I think the folks that pay for these programs have the wherewithal to simply cut a check and its no big expense to them compared to what they stand to get out of it. 

@Joshua Lanzieri when renovating older properties there are almost always negative surprises.Go watch any HGTV renovation show and most of them will have this as a cliff-hanger, forcing the choice of either going over budget or cutting back elsewhere.10% overruns happen often, but 50% is NOT acceptable!

I was hoping the rate cuts in the last 12 months would have had more of an impact on mortgage rates. 

As mentioned take a smaller cut to complete a deal if necessary.

Can you do side hustles, cut down costs to get rid of these debts?

If they will "cut corners" by not getting licensed, how well will the quality of work be?

Often times a lot of the services they offer are in-house - yardcare, handyman etc so they are taking another cut off services they provide as well.

There is always SOME manual work, but you can cut out a lot of the back and forth-- definitley.

Was last year abnormal or you think the normMy guess is you will spend a lot more than $200k on an attorney with benefits etc. but if it cuts down in expenses it definitely is something I would consider and even if it costs a little more, having control with having someone in house does reduce unknown costs and risks. 

My guess is also a leverage cut due to ARV, but you never know.