Do I just need to find different contractors that match the "$20 per sqft" model or is that rule of thumb just a wives tale?

Alternately you could also look for someone who is a match for when you aren't there. 

A dollar for dollar match basically means that you are bringing 50% of project costs to the table. 

@Cecil MasonBeing interested in Memphis myself, I looked up the zip code: http://www.city-data.com/zips/38119.htmlNot knowing the area, the numbers from your town home deal don't match with the pricing from 2013 data on the site I linked.

change all the light switch and outlet covers to make things match. 

Matched the kitchen tile almost perfectly.

Great source of networking and education.Also, when replying to people specifically, make sure you type the @ symbol, followed by there first name.

If there is minimal damage to one or so tiles, then fine, you can patch those tiles with tiles of the same size (doesn't have to color match, since you will reglaze after patching).

I was more focused on the interest rate or the insurance quote then I was with the "Why" I was doing it and more importantly how I was going to create the business model to get the return out of that home for the next 20 years and not get sued or plan for problems.Set your end goal and then find deals that match that will carry you to that goal.

He nerds out over finish carpentry - we milled, finished and installed all the trim for our second story addition to match the rest of our 100+ year old house.