Make sure they keep the job site clean and safe.Maybe give them a bonus if done before time. 

(Free delivery bonus.)If you get desperate, they aren’t as cheap s they should be but if there’s a sees outlet store near you everything they sell is the one on the floor so you can get it same day. 

X% bonus if finished by x date.

After going round-and-round with a few difference national providers with awe-inspiring promises (only to be shocked by the real offerings they have) I came to terms with a local bank that is going to beat the terms from the nationwide "investment lenders" and are going to be a solid long-term partner in investing.The national players might work out better for you, based on your local property values or some other factors, but I'd recommend connecting with a local bank and finding a win-win opportunity with them.

Don’t try to fit a square peg into a round hole.

Are there any bonus rooms you can turn into extra bedrooms like a formal dining room?

Since you said the numbers still work up to $25k in repairs, anything you can get is a bonus for you.Good luck!

Also as a bonus, it looks like I'll be able to use the appraisal from the previous lender to qualify for the loan, saving me about $600 :).

They are probably going to want to look though they could be skeptical, but that's a solid bonus for a new/newer high-ticket item that shouldn't need to be replaced for a while for an investor or buyer.

Bonus points if its in an area with an expedited permitting process and free to discretionary drawn out things like design review.