Yeah, good painters are worth their weight in gold. Its all in the prep work. Try this stuff for some of your rot that you can't get at.
Abatron Building and Restoration Products - Adhesives, Sealants, Coatings & Epoxies. - Abatron, Inc.
Not too many painter or contractors know this co's product but it is one heck of a product. Using it can save a lot of money when total replacement isn't necessary o possible. The forest service uses this stuff for their repairs.