Steps to finding the right contractor for the Job

[David Macias]

My wife and I are looking to update our rental property in the oceanside, Ca area in order to charge higher rental income.  We don't live locally, but manage the property ourselves and the problem I am having is finding a good GC.  I used the network tool on BP but was only solicited from big companies that I felt were very pricey and big on the sales presentation.   What steps do you take to find and vet a contractor?  Just looking for a starting point. Any help from the veteran property managers out there would be appreciated.