Engine ( A-65) Propstrike and rebuild on cheap???

Folks - I had another propstrike on my engine.

Last time, my A&P sent it to an engine shop rather than doing the work
himself.

Experience has show that even if all the shop does is open and inspect,
it will cost me $3500. I need to try and get that cost down.

Of course, all this will have to be worked out with the shop.

Question: Why did my A&P send the engine out? I understand it might
have been a workload problem, but arn't A&Ps allowed to inspect an
engine after a propstrike?

Question: How much work is a shop or mechanic likely to allow me to do
under his indirect supervision? Can I do something in front of him,
drag the engine home until I reach another milestone then perform that
in front of him?

Regards, Mike