$5k sounds very reasonable to have an area graded and a patio installed, at least in my neck of the woods.
Unless you really know what you are doing, DIY patios look like you did it yourself, IMO. I’ve seen many bad installation jobs. Prepping a patio properly - leveling, preparing and compacting the sub-base for proper drainage and to withstand temp changes (frost heaves in my area), cutting pavers if needed, edging, etc. - needs to be done correctly to still look good after a few years. We had a large patio put in 20 years ago and the guy did an excellent job. One cracked paver. Everything else is in tip top shape and has held up remarkably well. Some stuff is worth spending $ on.