I told him I preferred to pay the 50 for hanging the ductwork(which was what was complete) and pay the rest upon completion.

If you really need the cabinetry space (or if there is ductwork, etc) you could still have a short bulkhead from the ceiling (making it a pass through).As for the bathroom in the title ... aren't most bathrooms enclosed .. at least in North America.

I actually need another smaller dumpster and I have some appliances, tub, and aluminum ductwork to get rid of.

Probably passing York Rd,but close to it, you might not get anybody from     university if that is the goal.    1) Finishing up a basement could be min 6k-7k or  way more, depending on the condition, how you are finishing it, who is   doing the work, what you are adding, if duct work involved etc...    2) Typically %75.

I had to have the ductwork cleaned everything repainted and the house scrubbed top to bottom. 

I will be fixing it up first though, mainly cosmetics and duct work, but I am assure with what path I should take to get the most out of it. 

No duct work currently.

We'll get rid of the old duct work because it was very obtrusive and wrapped in asbestos tape.Our #2 priority is to upgrade all the electrical.

I am impressed you are getting 7 furnaces, duct work, line sets and building soffits for $8500.00.

It also has to do with how the ductwork is laid out short runs vs long runs.