And many do not have any marketing department of budget.  

What was your budget for the cosmetic updates and did you stay within it?

Just understand that the cabinets have a big impact on your budget as well as how your kitchen looks.

I tried to give my old GC a chance because I did not want to increase budget and don't have the funds for another deposit, but I feel stuck and just need to move forward asap!    

Each house came in at or under budget.

You have to consider congested traffic, parking can expand into neighborhoods, church bells, weddings, funerals, Sunday mass or other religious Holidays.

I just finished my largest and most expensive rehab to date (and my first to go way over budget, 123 year old units can get expensive to rehab).  

I'm in Atlanta, GA which gives me fewer options with that budget unless I go with condos with HOA's that allow rentals, or venture out to towns outside of Atlanta like Macon, GA, Athens, Lagrange etc...

I have budgeted about $100,000 for the entire project.  

It is easy to underestimate your rehab budget and your timeline leading to more holding costs.Or you could explore partnering with someone who has experience in the area and capital to also invest.