This guy has very solid ratings locally, nice portfolio, and worth hitting too - http://www.dannyosterweil.com/about/ - I think he's probably within a few miles of you guys.
You might want to try brass, as it might fit with the wood better. You could even use floor plates (if they are legal in your part of the world). it might also just be a case of putting them in less obvious places.
http://cdn.homedit.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Container-...
In the above example, they are not that dissimilar to your $25k offering, apart from the ceiling is white plasterboard/drywall, which is smooth. Also the appliances are hidden, its a living room, not a nuts and bolts room :)
"Large sensor, low f number, go wide angle" means absolutely nothing...don't go to a photographer saying some shit like that.
Hire a decent photographer, large sensor, low f number. You'd be surprised what a good camera with a competent person running it will do. Go wide angle.
Your unique selling point should be the thought you put into the layout. Anyone can insulate and sling in some furniture, the real hard part is making the space lovable/liveable. Choose a theme or period, industrial is a good start. You have bamboo flooring, why not use it for the fittings?
o Put beading/moulding around the windows. Its simple and cheap.
o Match the doors and frames to the plywood/cladding
o Change the electrical outlets to metal, anything other than the stock white
o Use industrial light cases, it'll match the industrial look better
o Make sure the stuff you install is straight, and neat, the bed slats are wonky!
o The bamboo flooring looks great make use of it more!
o when taking the photos, think about where the light is coming from, make sure its streaming through the windows making the place look bright
Also, don't give up...