Tell them what is needed, they'll tell you how it's done by the bid.For line items that are vastly different look at what makes up those differences?

This is the property in question: https://goo.gl/qjnBJK The top maintenance items are: cleaning up after tenants move out (paint, carpet cleaning), monthly landscaping ($90), and a smattering of appliance repairs.  

The contractor and I have a good relationship, he often does small work for me without a charge and in fact fixed some of the items the tenant had broke without a charge.

As part of this preparation, I am meeting with local CPAs to introduce myself and interview them for a potential fit for assisting me with tax related items.

See Ben Leybovich's article: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/grant-cardone-primary-residence/As soon as I set roots in a particular city, I will probably purchase my primary home, regardless of price point, to take advantage of all the items you listed.

The seller should give you an inventory list of everything and in due diligence of the asset you verify everything.If at closing the Seller takes everything you have a legal claim since the items were identified in the executed PSA.

This is by far one of the more unusual items I have had anyone tell me they found in a foreclosure:)

I'd love to hear about your "Big WHY" list of items that led you to your actual freedom number.  

Maybe it's because my interest rate is so low, but I don't have enough deductions (including my mortgage interest) to itemize.  

As a landlord, you should absolutely, beyond question, have a complete understanding of every item listed in your lease agreement.