Other than selling Avon, baked goods, and making jewelry, we are both technichly retired [ will finally have closing on our business next week after months of title problems] and since other than some new appliances, bathroom sink, and gas furnace repair, everything else is totally simple cosmetic stuff we can do in our spare time.[ we need to live there for a year anyway, and might choose to stay after that] We won't get started working on it for a few weeks because we are getting our Bennett house ready to sell, but when we do, we only intend on making the kitchen serviceable, and the living room nice before moving in [ the bathroom works fine, but eventually we need to get rid of its' all pinkness other than a brown tub!

I also own a 3 flat in Mayfair park.

I suggest you either bite the bullet on the cost or charge a flat "utility charge" to help cover the expense 

Any thoughts on working with a private lender and flat out buying it for the 25K and then taking a line of credit on the appraised equity?

If you contract out, I would highlight not getting locked into a long term contract, no negative option renewal and keeping in mind that the supplier has to make money as well.The contract I signed was for 3 years, explicit renewal after the initial term with an out clause if they do not respond to 2 emergency call outs in a row within 24 hours, flat monthly fee for all servicing and emergency call out and a laundry card based system (reverse ATM) included.

Also my requests to some local people for advice in exchange for services have fallen flat. 

I am looking for 1 BHK flat for rent.

We've had 10%+ appreciation for the past 2 years which will likely continue, although we were a "flat market" prior to that since prices doubled in 2006.

If I'm providing brokerage services, my broker is going to want his flat fee commission whether I put in for my % or not.  

I talked to some Attorneys and yes they will do assignments and the cost is a flat fee.