Landscaping added enormous appeal to the exterior and painting the existing aluminum siding made a statement that this house was back to its former glory.

Make very , very sure it does not have aluminum wiring. 

I guess copper handles more amps (than aluminum maybe).

It's a lot of effort to pay below retail or cheaper than HD like you are saying, and we usually just don't have the time to go through places like BMO and Stardust, but I've used both in the past.We have an HD commercial account which gives us no interest for 60 day payment terms, we also are in the AZREIA 2% rebate remodeler program, and make sure to send all your items through the pro dest at the bid room at HD, for you anything 2k and over should qualify for some decent discounts.Some other places we use that are good and affordable for specific items:Desert Liquidators LLC- Good for flooring, cabinets, etcDiamond Kitchen and Bath- They have in stock Glenwood models and White Shakers that are good prices and are modular.Lee's Counter Tops- Only reliable vendor we've found for formica/laminate topsWindow Depot- Our go to for in stock and custom order double pane aluminum and vinyl windows that are cheap and good quality for investment property.

The roof and everything is in good shape, just a little aluminum siding work, and flooring.

The current windows @ the home are silver aluminum.

I have been focusing on cities in and around New Orleans such as Westwego, Gretna, and even Hammond which is where I attended Southeastern Louisiana University for undergrad.

Also, fiberglass screening is much easier to work with than aluminum, though aluminum does tend to last longer.  

We can even go as far as the rest of the south eastern WI area.

If there is Knob & Tube or Aluminum wiring that will impact the insurance (most of our regular companies will not write the house with either of those).