Does anyone have reputable recommendations for handymen or cleaning companies in the area?

It would really depend on how long the cleaning actually took.

The cleaning costs alone were over $9k.

@Jay Hinrichs so it sounds like you don't feel like you got punched in the face by real estate over the past couple of years. 

Any advice on how to get out of this stagnant stuck feeling?

Our pretty good Tenant has offered to clean the place before she moves in and to paint it, too.

I informed the guests that I would refund there cleaning fee because the cabin would not need to be cleaned. 

That said, if you feel you want to go above and beyond, then could could try contacting some of these apartment complexes directly and confirm her story with them but if you can easily find another qualified applicant why would you take on this work and additional risk.

But it turned out, it was his roommate (who moved in without telling me, but turned out to be a good tenant) that was doing the cleaning up.

I had a better feeling about this contractor so I hired them.