I’d say I’m pretty good at anything with my hands. I can watch a youtube video and complete 90% of things without an issue or anything. A timing belt is not something you mess with as a DIYer unless you’re completely confident in your own 2 hands and have some experience doing so.
A mistake on a timing belt job can cost you your engine. OP got lucky IMO that his valves arn’t all bent up and toasted. I just had mine done professionally, and while it was through a friends father who charged me way less than the OP, I have the confidence that as long as I do not touch any timing components, they will scratch my back if theres any major issues. A guy with 35 years of experience will always trump my youtube skillz :bowdown
Again, sucks you’re so far away OP, while I agree the ASS tech probably did mess the job up, it’s hard to get warranty work taken care of that far away! I’m blown away the towing place couldn’t offer you a cheaper alternative, such as some sort of shipping situation instead of some flatbed driving the entire way.