Is there such a thing as traveling/nomad contractors?

[Catherine Brennan]

We purchased two properties in Upper Peninsula, MI that each need extensive work  - foundation to roof.

This is a growing town with outdoor activity and climate migration its primary draw.  We thought we had a good GC (that's why we purchased these properties), but he is pulled in other directions. Now we're stuck. The acquisition was really inexpensive, but contractors are NOT. They're not only expensive, but almost impossible to reach  - a function of supply and demand, but also told there's partiality to locals and we're not.

So is there such a thing as traveling contractors, and if so, where can they be found?  Any and all constructive ideas welcome other than telling us we shouldn't have purchased without a surefire plan - we know :)

[Michael Paling]

@Ian A. and @Catherine Brennan 

What you're seeing is quite typical of the UP overall, doesn't matter what city you're located in. So you unfortunately need to adjust your expectations from what you might see elsewhere. You might have a little better luck with some people responding in the Marquette area, but we still see that happen here too. At the least, I find it quite unprofessional for someone to not call or email you back to say they're too busy. I don't know if it's just because there's so much work or if it's just part of the culture up here. My own family went through, and even met with, like 6 contractors in Iron Mountain before one actually followed through with everything they said. 

I'll also add that I wouldn't be surprised if some contractors favor locals over out of state consumers such as yourselves. There's plenty of locals that aren't fans of people moving to the UP.