Copper is expensive, you want to use pex (and make sure they don't buy the cheap stuff from the big box store).

Your big box banks have very limited programs for you to choose from and bad rates and surprise points.

Think outside the box, and get outside the box.

My buy-box is weird (whatever), is there some training on how to leverage this?

So does hmh or buy box cartel buy or sell your contract.  

You do have to be aware of cultural differences and other challenges:- In other countries, workers ALWAYS take their birthdays off- You should inquire about & respect local holidays- Timezone differences of more than 2-4 hours, can lead to mysterious "sick" days.

Personally, I'd check into what's on market but after getting things set on your buy-box i'd just make some calls and see what I could dig up.

Maybe this is a Milwaukee thing, but we have a lot who are either not good, cringeworthy to listen or outright dangerous, many of them with 5 star reviews on Google, which is a mystery to me

We own a flooring business, and I can tell you that the majority of the time your local mom and pop store will be cheaper than the big box stores.

Limiting their options, and restricting their buy box.