General Contractors in Baltimore for a relative Newbie

[Jonathan Keith Joseph]

Hey Bigger Pockets Family,

Although I'm a BP newbie, I inadvertently became a landlord in 2001 when 2 months after buying a house to live in, in the Hollins Market area, of Baltimore I was sent overseas by my job. I quickly found tenants and bought a second house near to the first, while I was still away and have been renting them ever since. I was a good landlord and bad businessperson, and was about to sell both last year when I discovered Bigger Pockets. That has made all the difference. I feel like I've learned more from BP in about 8 months than I did in years of college.

I feel comfortable operating on the C neighborhoods I know in Baltimore, have found some good deals from owners I've gotten to know near my existing properties, but struggle to find good general contractors willing to work in these areas. I have found great skill contractors, and when I ask them for references, the general contractors they work with are consistently reluctant to work the neighborhoods I'm interested in. The contractors I do find stop responding when I start asking for references and other standard screening questions.

Any suggestions on finding good general contractors for single family properties who can do everything from gut rehabs on down in Baltimore?

Will be grateful for any suggestions,

Thanks,

JK Joseph