I tell them to call the contractors directly and get it the problem fixed if it is under $200.

Still room to negotiate though but not directly - never directly. 

Is it too late to go another direction? 

Help me get this upcoming new year kicked off in the right direction. 

You will find a wealth of information and help here.To answer your question directly, repairs and CAPEX are separate things.

There is a plethora of vendors available who handle title, site visits, loss mitigation, legal/foreclosure, property preservation and property sales -- all can be directed via phone/email. 

Background: I house hacked a property located in Silver Spring, MD. I purchased the property three years ago (04/2014) for $289,000 with FHA loan and PMI in it. In 02/2016 I refinanced the loan to 15 years at 3.12500%...

All caulking edges exposed to view shall not vary more then 1/8” in any direction and shall be free of excessive lipping or inconsistencies.”  

Having said that I have very little direct experience with REI. 

Translation is: competent but cheap.I think the most common "ideal" attorney is someone who iscompetent in everything RE-relatedavailable 24/7, directly and not via staffprovides inexpensive as-needed servicesprovides free advice in between engagementsdelivers all commitments on time, including last-minute emergency requestsThis is not my personal list - it is an observation of what my clients seem to want.