You need to fix the stuff behind the walls first before you start painting and paint before you install the light fixtures and.. etc..

I'm also personally doing work I can such as renovating the shared garden, installing a security system, etc. 

Studs are up, siding is all completed on the outside, front and back door is installed, no duct work into that room yet, there are still steps that go down to this new space. 

Otherwise, you can "project manage" the flip and line up licensed specialty subs to complete work (carpenters, roofers, floor installers, painters, etc.), and this is within the AZ law based on my interpretation (I am not a lawyer).

I'd like to set it up as a seller carried installment sale, interest only for 5-10 years to defer any capital gains.

Hi Rigo,If you are unsure what materials you are going to be using you can have the contractor exclude the 'finish materials' (tile, paint, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures) and include just the 'rough materials' (studs, drywall, wiring, piping, etc.) and installation of the 'finish materials'.In this scenario, you will be responsible for purchasing and delivering all of the materials for the project, so it's added responsibility for you, but it will give you an opportunity to figure out what materials you are using on the project.I have a Scope of Work example in my file place which will show you the level of detail & verbiage you need to include in your SOW:https://www.biggerpockets.com/files/user/drobertson/file/sample-contractors-scope-of-work-documents

Morning, All we are attempting to install iron mesh or the iron cones around our entrance gates at a particular property in Chicago.  

Many OOS investors set themselves up for failure because they don't truly take the time to understand:1) The Class of the NEIGHBORHOOD they are buying in - which is relative to the overall area.2) The Class of the PROPERTY they are buying - which is relative to the overall area.3) The Class of the TENANT POOL the Neighborhood & Property will attract - which is relative to the overall area.4) The Class of the CONTRACTORS that will work on their Property, given the Neighborhood location - which is relative to the overall area.5) The Class of the PROPERTY MANAGEMENT COMPANIES (PMC) that will manage their Property, given the Neighborhood location and the Tenants it will attract - which is relative to the overall area.6) That a Class X NEIGHBORHOOD will have mostly Class X PROPERTIES, which will only attract Class X TENANTS, CONTRACTORS AND PMCs and deliver Class X RESULTS.7) That OOS property Class rankings are often different than the Class ranking of the local market they live.8) Class A is relatively easy to manage, can even be DIY remote managed from another state.

Rehab planned time was 6 months. 2 weeks before the project was due we were missing 24 windows, 11 doors, 3 gates, 3 kitchens, HVAC installation, electrical, paint and ... the contractor!

unfortunately no, right now we are all DIY until we hand the property over to the management company and then they use their own maintenance techs from there