It wouldn't cost much to do the work just material , me and the wife do this all day long for our business so we can do the work  ourselves .

Initial concept is for a mix of 1 and 2 bedroom units, basic in design and build out materials, with living space located directly above an oversized single garage stall. 

Every year, I lose touch with them a bit more as our lives diverge.That's who all the material on analysis paralysis is directed at, not you.

I am looking for suggestions on materials and colors etc.

Most I know in the are are around $450 to $500 plus material. 

$1000 for the tub and surround materials cost. 2 days labor strip to stud, mount everything direct to stud.

Refinancing down to 2600 in the meantime.The Question: Should I take the hit and enter into an annual PM contract (75-100% first months rent + 8-10% monthly fee + cost of materials) so they can get it cosmetically rent ready (not a full renovation just handyman work) and use their own tenants...Or should I go it alone (hire handyman + cost of materials + get attorney + umbrella insurance) to keep as much of the rental income as possible to immediately rent to a couple, until I acquire the funds to fully renovate it for that rent bump?

For minor stuff you can hire subs directly but I would still go turn key a and let them supply all materials. 

If its not then I would suggest 3 months but that depends upon a number of factors such as (1) days on market for that subdivision, (2) availability of crew and (3) availability of materials.

Hi, I am finishing my basement with the help of some contractor in north NJ...my first time dealing with some contractor.We agreed on some price(labor only), material I will paying separately whenever and whatever needed on requirement basis.My concern is , 1. we agreed that he will take care of permit, but on first day when he came to work he told that we(owner) pull permit as home owner, in this way he can save some additional money, because he has only contractor permit ,but doesn't has electric and plumbing permit...just wondering is there any issue pulling permit by us, we live in the same house...is that ok/normal things?