Appreciate all the feedback.
I was looking for a "rate" to use a guage for estimating the work. Any agreement would be fixed pricing. Example -- laying kitchen laminate flooring -- figuring about 20 hours x 30/hr = 600. I pay materials. I'm pretty sure that is enough time compared to hiring someone to do it. In fact, I could get estimates and then work with the tenant. So if he comes back with an estimate of $1200, well, then I'm not sure this is going to work out. If he says 750, then we are in the ball park and I can start to list out specifics like remove quarter round, repaint existing baseboard, lay floor, paint and replace quarter round, etc.
I'd exect to have the work done, insepected, issues resolved, and then credit towards rent. He's already done some odd jobs -- recaulk a tub, install a toilet rebuild kit -- so I'd like to compensate as a matter of good gesture. The water heater regulator went out -- he installed the warranty part -- I think I paid $75. Caulk a tub, I'm estimating 1 hour, install rebuild kit -- 1 hour. The toilet one is kinda hard to sort out -- it might have been better for me to upgrade the entire toilet.
The real issue is we are upside down on this already -- he's a month behind on rent and now wanting to barter. I am looking to list the property this spring, so if he can do a few minor upgrades, it probably helps me out.
There is a leaky shower -- he believes to be the diverter valve, so that might be a good 1st run. Requires opening up a closet wall to get to the valve, replacing and then patching it all back up. Of course situations like that always can run into new discoveries.