I would try to strike a deal with the winning firm that you’ll pay ___ for an initial estimate to assist in making your purchase decision, and then pay ____ to work up the detailed SOW after you buy it.

I just don't want to strike out.

    “Just like the job application process, every person has the right to be fairly evaluated when applying for rental housing,” Brooks said.Exactly and just like a job if you have been fired that will be a strike against you. 

As others have mentioned, when you have a deal you need to strike and lock it down.

This is why maybe a little larger down may strike a better balance for you between a little extra cash flow, but locking in long term equity in more properties.

I want to strike a balance between doing things efficiently vs overkill for my level of scale.- Harman

You might want to strike this from the conversation so they don't get any ideas!

However, it is missing an electrical bonding connection between the gas piping and electrical systems. lack of electrical bonding may increase the potential for lightning strikes to cause arcing at the CSST gas piping and may result in perforation of the piping, gas leaks and fires.

If you strike out here try finding a local real estate agent they usually have contractors in their roledex.

Cheapest around here that still has a bit of quality would be up in the mountains, yeah it is a commute down everyday but it is much cheaper than the rest of the IE, if that isn't an option then be patient, wait continue to save and your strike zone will expand over time.