North Atlanta(Gwinnett) Siding Installer recommendation, Vinyl vs. James Hardie?

[Jenny Scott]

Dear BP members: 

Anyone here in Atlanta area that has done siding replacement recently? I would really appreciate if anyone has good contractor recommendation.
 

I have a small rental(3bed/2bath) in lawrenceville with about 2000 sqft(measured siding sqft) to be replaced. Most roofing/siding companies pushing for James hardie(30k not including painting), do you all know what would be a reasonable price? What extra do I need to get it painted after?

Another question is, based on the neighbhood (not that great), I feel it might make more senses to go with Vinyl, because it is slightly cheaper and it no longer needs paiting after every 5 years, seems easier to maintain. But the roofing/siding companines I've talked to, they all saying Vinyl is junk, and should go with hardie, I am kinda lost :) 

Any comments or insights are warmly appreciated...., 🙏
JS