I'm not sure if the OP is reading this anymore, but I did want to offer advice. I've been scraping (and scraping and scraping, you get the idea) wallpaper for so long. We're in the process of redoing my daughter's room and there were many many layers of wallpaper on the walls. I assumed the layers started in the 1930's, but on one wall, they put sheetrock over the plasterwall. It's some bizarre cardboard-like substance, so I guess in the 1950's- late 60's they just redecorated a lot. Anyway, long story shortened, when I got to the last layer on that cardbaord wall, it's stuck like glue over it. I got off all I could, scrubbed it, and my husband put a layer of plaster over the whole thing and it's now smooth as glass. I don't think this would work with many many layers, but my father in law has done this in the past, and after 20 years all is still good. I wouldn't recommend doing this in the more public areas of the home, but in the bedrooms it might work for you. It sounds like from your post that you are a thoughtful remodeler. I, like so many on this forum, cringe when thinking of "flippers" and the lack of care for history that many have. However, there are people who remodel who do a great job and do it not only to make money, but to improve their community. Those people are to be commended, because their vision helps create a longer history for that house in that community. I hope that you are able to bring that home to its former glory and find a family to love it.

Research wallpaper removal...there are a lot of posts online where people share their techniques to minimize drywall damage. A steamer might also make the job easier and minimize wall damage. The painter did not want to do this because it is a PITA job...of course when she showed you...it caused damage; it sounds as if she did nothing to mitigate it so it became a job she did not have to do. Removal and repair will be tedious, somewhat messy, but totally doable for someone who researches. Also research drywall repair techniques after removal of wallpaper. Once the wallpaper and paste is off, buy a small piece of drywall; replicate the damage you see on your walls, and practice repairs with drywall compound, types of trowels or blades for the kind of damage, sandpaper/sanding blocks/sponges, and spray texture (recommend for ease of use) if your walls have any kind of texture to them. Remember building up thin layers of compound (dry each layer before you add another) instead of one thick layer works best for repairing any deep damage. You can do this if you research and practice. I taught myself after waiting years for my husband to find someone to repair the walls of our large de-papered family room. I got fed up with his procrastination again and just started...no one can tell what was de-papered/repaired and what wasn't. Patience, diligence, and persnicketiness are important.

I've had several wallpaper jobs completed for my self and clients over the last couple of years. For a "basic room" (no arches, walls in very good/near perfect condition, 10ft or less ceilings, easy access) with a standard paper (pre-trimmed, not vintage, mid-high brand (Thiabut, Schumacher, etc) labor is usually pretty close to materials cost. $200 a roll for paper is about $200 a roll to hang. Anything outside the norm like specialty paper, plaster/old house walls, tall ceilings that require scoffolding, awkward angles/cabinets/plumbing, etc. and the labor costs adds up very quickly. Hangers who deal with very high end brands charge more, because like you said, the risk is higher. I live in an average COL area. The lowest price paper brand I actually feel comfortable using is about $120 double roll for a pre-trimmed paper. The average for all brands is about $150-$300 D/R. Grasscloths, Sisal, embossed, beaded, and other specialty start at $300 D/R. Anytime paper is priced per yard (other than grasscloth) I start getting a little nervous! Wallpaper is a luxury and barring the uber brands like Zuber or De Gournay I tell people to not think too much about the cost. If you're looking to save money, paint is your friend! This is a splurge and it will be more expensive than you expect but if you love it, you'll never regret it. The last couple of decades put a lot of respected paper hangers out of business so the few around are in high demand. The popularity of paper has begun to bring people back to the business and there prices are cheaper, but once they get good at it, if they last that long, that changes. I totally agree with your attitude about materials and labor costs, BTW!

I just looked at my old wallpaper invoice ... $123 a single roll seems like a bargain! I think we all have different spending patterns based on what we find important to us. I rarely shop for clothing, shoes, etc and still have classic pieces that are years old that I still wear. I could buy fancy designer stuff for my kids, but they are happy to shop at TJ maxx, etc ... but DH did take said kid to the super bowl and didn't skimp on seats or accommodations. I like driving so I spend on that item. If you can afford the wallpaper and it will make you enjoy your time at home then it seems like a good purchase for you.