I always take my kids too.  

-- kidding, kidding...

I think @Mike Dymski has a good approach to it. and i would tackle the exterior and lobby first, first impression of the place is always key. as far as the distance, do you have any kids, relatives or friends that may want/ need a part time job ?

Probably could have hired a neighborhood kid to use a snow blower for a lot less.

I think most contractors are bad (haha, just kidding for all of our contractors), but I know of a couple of contractors with me, personally, who started quoting me higher numbers than normal because I wasn't worth THEIR time anymore for the work I was requesting.My two points for you would be:1.

Ty,Looks like a decent place for a family without kids - mine would be in that water in a heartbeat.

Are you kidding?!

I was just talking to one of my seven year old kids about what that means, and I think I'm going to repeat what you just said. 

My kids had nothing to bring to the table so no reason to partner with them.

Renting out some of the rooms to college kids might be a great way to help offset costs (great idea).