While I certainly think there are huge gaps in the LW's narrative, I feel like the advice-givers here are either a) not homeowners or b) own homes in an urban or populous suburban area. Because I know damn well that I would rather call someone I know for advice and suggestions -- particularly as an afab individual who has in fact been scammed by contractors and tradesmen (always men) before -- than just "call up a handyman". And unfortunately, my rage about that (like it's easy! like it's so goddamn easy! that's why my fucking house is falling apart because my wife and I have spent 5+ years trying to call up a handyman to help us with a number of discrete tasks that no one will do for any amount of money that is reasonable unless they're someone that someone we know happens to know) has overshadowed every shred of the rest of this for me.

Though the soap opera at the end was kind of amusing.