As a REALTOR specializing in STRs for investments, I also have a list of vendors I recommend to help my clients with their remote management.That said, not everyone has the time to manage remotely, and if the aren't plugged into a good support system or have had no classes, bootcamps, books, etc., it can be bewildering for sure.  

You'll likely get quotes that are all over the map with some vendors telling you it NEEDS X, Y and Z, while others tell you it only needs X.I had a cracked foundation in a Detroit property and got quotes from $5k up to $30k with some saying that the entire wall needed to be replaced and others saying that it simply needed drainage and reinforcement.

If you are looking for someone who can lead the charge on the ground, has great vendor relation/supply chain experience, project metric expertise, and the ability to get the job, please feel free to reach out. 

If it is a major reno, the Owner will need to sign off on a written contract with the vendor.

This is like a $5k job - vendor is ripping you off!

Two of the contractors I am getting quotes from I have already expressed them using their contacts/vendors.

Was this a company on your preferred vendor list?

Yes, you just wander down the housing office and register yourself as a vendor, and as the owner of the property and give them new bank details.

After the 3rd trip out, I asked the vendor why he didn't just replace what needed replacing so we could move on. 

I've flipped hundreds of houses, and I don't believe I'm ever had a customer, vendor or contact inquire about BBB status.