Which would probably still cost more than what they’re willing to pay, assuming that (cost) is indeed the problem.

I've found that paying companies a big pile of cash to do a thing is much more acceptable than paying an individual a big pile of cash to do the same thing. I don't know why. Risk management maybe.

If the person is a full time employee you have to pay benefits and you can’t just fire them when the project is done. Easier to just contract it out.

Yeah, I totally agree with that. It might be better to just contract the job out.