Just make sure that they have quality gear to do the job and ask them for some sample of their portfolio to see what they consider good quality.If you want to get fancy you can also get a video tour or a virtual tour of the condo.

(PS - I am not the listing agent)Floor LevelSq Ft.RoomsBedroomsBathroomsMaster BathSec DepositRentLease ExpUnit #11938531/101100M2MUnit #21770421/00800M2MUnit #31770421/01000100011/19Unit #41770421/01000100002/20

You said counting every single doorknob would annoy them, but do you at least get it itemized into how much for electrical, plumbing, framing, drywall, floors, foundation, etc.I still think I'm going to get a quantity takeoff at least when I'm just starting out with a new GC even just for the sake of letting them know that I'm not completely ignorant on the topic (and thus easy for them to lie to).I can tell them exactly how many CY of concrete will be needed for the foundation and footings and I know that it costs about $130/CY.

What do you guys generally use for floors, counters, paint colors, etc... 

There is still a lot of new construction going on around us, and the home has appreciated about 20k in value since purchase (comparing to cost of building the same floor plan).

Broke even, which was a tough lesson.Next two were condos.

I'm planning to redo the kitchen and all the flooring. 

If you don't want to house hack and don't want to buy in the neighborhoods that these 3-4 units are in then your option is condos. 

Also, the reason I ran up so much debt is the renovation of the 2nd floor apt, with no rental income for 1.5 years.   

In just under 8 weeks we completely renovated the entire property: roof, stucco, windows, doors, trim, flooring, granite, stainless steel, new bathroom vanities, tile tub surrounds, pool equiptment, furnace, water heater, and so much more!