Newbie needs help automating strategy.

[qlai]

This is how modern DevOps works where engineers are not watching a system run but instead are notified of system issues.

Ok, so I misunderstood what you meant by "watch" The above I agree with ... I meant you can't just

 

[qlai]

I'm a self admitted newbie to this world, but it feels to simple to be hard to do.

My advice to everyone is the same ... Before you ask a programmer for a quote, make sure to write down the strategy in as much details as possible. Obviously exclude the secret sauce. This helps in two ways:
1 you clearly understand what you need.
2 it's easier to estimate the scope of work.

 

[userque]

You wouldn't happen to have any feedback on all those posts from India, would you?

I just looked again at both sites ... (only the first page). Saw a variety of countries represented. These sites are more popular in foreign countries since the coders there can essentially underbid U.S. coders due to their lower cost-of-living than the U.S., imo. That said, you can pick a coder from any country you wish.

As others have stated, you want to be logical, clear and detailed in communicating what you need to the site you pick. Obviously, you need a coder that can understand logical, clear and detailed English, or the language of your choice.

Read all instructions, terms, and disclaimers on the site. Research the site further, and the coders you're considering. Due diligence.