I would be happy to have them move the large storage shed and its whatever contractor provides an acceptable bid rather than city employees doing the work.

My biggest recommendation is to look on social media and see who the “big” players are for investor focused teams in your area.

Post on social media what you're learning.

Your argument is why don't they just accept crap service because it's less $ ?????

I rented before I could even put on the market with one social media post.

Course of prior conduct may be used to determine what constituted acceptable quality.

Heck, who knows maybe they’ll be acceptable. 

Depending on your state you may or may not be allowed to accept a partial payment during the process.

Something problematic they find that was undisclosed on your application (not saying you'd do this, just giving an example), title issues, entity issues, issues with the appraisal even if the value is acceptable...you can either bite the bullet and pay for the appraisal, don't move forward with the loan, or try and find a HML/PML willing to lend to you without an appraisal. 

You would have to line up carriers that accept LLCs on non-owner-occupied dwelling coverage.