@Susan Guzzo You're already off to good start, most of the time people have trouble with their exchanges its because they aren't laser focused on one area for their replacement.

Double check structural beams and joists. 

My advice for new investors is to stay laser focused on developing a strong track record.

Stay laser focused on one or two things at most.

We have been given bids for beam installation and told it will take 3 guys 4 days, cost $5k and that the beam was very expensive. 

Let's just use an old single story 3 bed 2 bathroom, 1200 sq. ft. pier and beam house as an example. 

Square foot prices are dangerous.Some quick examples of where this could go bad in a hurry:Slab on grade or pier and beam?

It's probably pier and beam, so maybe can be fixed.

I still have all of my tools incl great laser level, etc and I want to see how long it will take me to knock it out for future reference too, but we're talking about a week of work at most and I'll have a helper too.Just make damn sure that whoever you hire is not only not a clown or a goof (unfortunately common sometimes) but that they've got liability ins coverage (and don't hesitate to call that ins co to verify it either!

(beam) :) Thanks @Brian Gibbons