You need to have the house atleast under contract and in Due Diligence and then you can  have them bid on the job.

I write the contract, get proper disclosures, forward to title company and just make sure all parties follow their deadlines and get to the closing table.

Luckily, I have the knowledge to complete the renovation with very little contracted help.

The sales and marketing process is pretty much the same, requiring the same time and effort to get contracts signed and negotiated, etc.Don't forget, the agent likely has to pay a sizable chunk of that $1500 to his broker and possibly franchise and marketing fees - not to mention E&O and his own overhead.

There is also Subject To, Wraps, Lease Options & Land Contracts.

I'm pretty sure the contract was for "as is" condition besides the repairs to be made via the quote. 

Check your state laws but you could do a land contract/contract for deed where the deed doesn’t transfer until the final payment or they could quit claim the deed to you.

Tenants can say the darndest things, bless their hearts!

There are current month to month tenants but I'm going to contract a marine crew housing company to rent per bed for yacht crews since it's close to the water. 

Sounds like the property is not under contract just yet, so at the point, I would focus on getting it under contract (you already know your worse case scenario by paying the seller's offer) once under contract,  you may discover other things during due diligence that will drive the price down.