I know lots of installers don't do it, and I personally prefer the unimpeded look, but anything installed outside of the requirements of the material is probably going to be limited, i.e. the insurance company is not going to pay you because the material was not installed according to flooring requirements. 

Unfortunately, the end of 2024 has brought a string of financial challenges for my family, and I’m feeling the pressure.Two weeks ago, I was laid off from my job.

That's another string by itself... 

There's no strings attached thereafter or need to agree to ongoing PM services.

I have spreadsheets filled with material lists for every phase of the build that includes pricing for materials as well as labor, and sources that I use for them.

And does the person doing the labor get paid or only the materials paid for by the partnership?

all materials, all labor costs to others, Not you, utilities, interest payments, permits, licenses, auto/truck expenses, tools needed are all deductable. 

Think of it as insurance against substandard work or faulty material.

Materials will be about the same, but labor may vary greatly on location.

. $50k sounds like a lot to you but with the price of materials and of qualified labor, it does not go too far.