My realtor is a super communicator which won the bid when ours was basically the same as the other party’s.

I watched the bidding and made a bid at the last minute.

Lastly, if you plan on spending $1500 or more, take your "shopping list" to the pro desk and have it run through the "bid room". 

The reason for the wild swings in bids is: what is considered as part of the scope?

Collected multiple bids for excavation and the one we were most impressed by was about $44k.

A lot of investors just gets their contractors in there and get itemized bids especially if the contractor has good eyes.

Shortly after closing they said the termites came back and they had a friend that worked at ORKIN and sent me a bid for $3800.

Faster is better but once you have clear title, then the HML should be able to close...that is, as long as your contract can have their bids to the lender, and you have provided everything as well.  

He came across some liens, however, got out bid every time and besides didn't have much money anyway like most .

He has city approval and the plans drawn up and he is in the process of getting bids for the work.