Green Horn Investor from Kentucky

[Dustin W. Wiggins]

Hello,

 I am a fairly young (27 years old ) real estate investor located in Western Kentucky,   I have been dabbling in real estate  since 2007 when I acquired my first piece of land.  since then I have traded property, bought and sold homes and farm land and until recently have had a property manager handling two rental homes for me. 

 I am learning how to manage now due to the last managers allowing the renters to both individually get $2,000.00 + behind on their rents. 

 One has been evicted leaving a house in major need of repair.

I have recently found that finding a contractor seems to be impossible,  any tips on how to find a reliable carpenter/ contractor?

 Also, how typically should a contractor be paid?   I know to never pay 100% until completion, but what about before and during the job?

 Thanks!