Installing new hot-water heat system: recommendations?

I’m renovating a smallish wood frame house (three stories, 18 x 30) in very poor condition and would like to put in a new radiator system, with chunky old-style radiators or the new Runtal type. Possibly the old radiators themselves can be re-used but CG says pipes are shot. (He’s encouraging me to just go with hyper-heat mini-splits but I love radiant heat.) Anyone have experiences to share? Or a plumbing contractor to recommend for the job?