How detailed estimate should I ask from the contractors?

[Jennifer Robinette]

Hello everyone, 

I am a real estate investor and recently joined BP. I have been an investor for years but I have been very passive! :) Recently my husband and I decided to take the rental business to the next level. We want to get a $10000 monthly positive cash flow within the next five years! I have started building up my own team of experts but have been struggle with finding the right contractors.  I have a couple of them I used before and thought might be good to use but realized that I need more options. 

I have a few questions to ask the fellow investors.  

1. How many contractors you establish and keep a relationship and how to make all of them engaged

2. When you ask for estimates of work, how do you ask them for the detailed estimates? I have done a few estimates but they all give me a range and are reluctant to give me any detailed breakdowns unless I choose them for the job. Which is kind of a catch 22 as I need more information to decide if I want to use them or not. How do you deal with this situation? 

3. Do you know any good contractors in Northern Virginia region who are reasonably priced, punctuate, friendly to investors, and with good quality of work? 

I appreciate any suggestions or help you can offer! Feel free to send me email directly if you want to establish a business relationship.

Thanks

Jennifer