What is the best way for me to vet a reputable firm?

While you can always close a company or modify it to meet new requirements, that will cost you money and time and perhaps your reputation.

Im fortunate to have a family of electricians, carpenters, plumbers etc.

Some times we Realtors unfairly get a bad reputation.

Joe Gore Short Sales hurt credit - FICO.See http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/questions/foreclosure-alternatives-fico-score.aspxIt is a foreclosure.It hurts your reputation and you have to sign on Govt employment apps you have been through a foreclosure.IRS You may owe money to the IRS http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/The-Mortgage-Forgiveness-Debt-Relief-Act-and-Debt-Cancellation-To avoid a short sale,-rent the property out,-sell on sub2,-sell on lease option,sometimes better than short sale.

His neighbor is a plumber and already had six calls by 9am for frozen pipes.

Since the demand is so high for plumbers I cant get one out until tomorrow. 2 questions:Am I responsible for putting tenant in a hotel?

If you have the proper shut off valves and they are properly installed, there will be a bleed device for that purpose.You then have to put RV anti-freeze into the traps.Your safest bet is to have a plumber in to check things out.

He called in a local plumber he knows I use.

I have a good plumber that I could recommend.