We also can't prep our side for her properly until our stuff is out (cleaning, paint touch ups etc.)  

If there is a price and he is 2.5x over it (I thought I read that in your post), he needs to justify that. it sounds like your contention is the fact that the work isn't "done" and his contention is that it is "done" just needs touch up.

It's a cost savings to always buy the same colors in bulk & it simplifies touch up & rehab.

I may want just a little paint, carpet, and touch-ups if need be.  

They are getting paid for the work they do themselves, i.e. touch up paint, replace locks, etc.

Right now all I need to do is to paint one room and touch up some trim. 

May need about 5k in immediate touch ups and repairs but could be rented out immediately after furnishing (if I went the short-term route).  

You don't generally want to see a carpenter painting, or a painter doing plumbing, or an electrician tiling.On small (and I mean small) jobs, it's not atypical to have one person who is multitalented; that person may handle minor plumbing jobs, swap out a light fixture, or do touch up paint.

My intent is to get it 90%+ occupied, repaint building 1, improve parking lot, touch up facade of buildings for a fresher/modern look, and possibly upgrade each apartment unit during vacancies.

The worst that happens is you run behind on turn work and have to return to touch up paint or do some odd's and ends while new tenant is there.. but to lose a entire month's rent is just plain stupid.I managed a 126 unit building some months during the summer we had 10 turns,, and that's moving 10 apartments, in and out in 24 hours..