I do believe the communication is not as it should be as I'm being told one thing then questioned about the same points later. 

What will our communications look like (how often, technology used, etc.)?

However, I think you should always ask about the insurance that the company carries, units managed to property managers in office ratio, how they determine rent pricing on vacancies, how often they communicate with you, is there any hidden fees (late payment charges, court appearances, leasing), if you can cancel contract if unsatisfied, provide monthly statements, any references.

My husband and I just finished out a basement efficiency apartment in our north Austin home.

Because of my experiences over the years, I'm able to problem solve situations in contracting with excellent results that are both efficient and cost effective.I'm looking forward to meeting and networking with other individuals who are in need of a trustworthy contractor.

They are a large machine, very efficient and yet reasonably personal in the dealings I have had with them.

We have found the following benefits:1) We can demand an extra $30 - $50 per month in rent for the convenience of en-sute laundry;2) Tenants pay their own electricity, hot water and, if sub-metered, water costs related to laundry;2) In small residential buildings (like your quad) we often no longer require an electrical entrance for the house;3) Vandalism of the laundry machines is non existent {though it was never significant} ... if something happens to a machine, we know who is responsible.4) High-efficiency residential laundry units are 50-70% the capital cost of equivalently performing commercial coin-op machines  {between the extra rent and depreciation, we find the machines are paid-off in ~2.0 - 2.5 years}.

The bids I'm getting from recommended HVAC contractors are $5000-7000 for a full new high efficiency system with warranty OR $1500 to connect and test the existing 10 year old system where I have no evidence it'll work.

I even use Skype and TeamViewer to communicate with clients so I'd highly recommend looking for one of the best with great references that interviews well with you.So look for someone you can connect with that works out for your situation.Feel free to ask here if you have questions

So I am  general contractor and as far as negotiating bids I would just say this..You always catch more bees with honey as you would using salt. having said I that it's all about communication..just communicate..i know that if you were to come back to me and tell me that im too high that you had to be a lower on this or that..i would just ask you where do u need to be and let you know hey look..just tell me  where u need to be and if its reasonable then we can work on it...prices are really not always the same.materials cost more or less due to seasons a weather, etc so sometimes there is more room than next..One thing to keep in mind though is the old saying you got what you pay for!!