Getting a quote for rehab and finding a contractor

[Jonathan Boyd]

Good day everyone. I'm needing help getting started on my first flip. I contacted the owner of an abandoned house in my neighborhood in Benton, Arkansas / Little Rock, Arkansas. They are motivated to sell, however, house is a complete dump. The problem I face now is that while waiting for a response to the initial letter I sent inquiring about the property, I moved out of town: everything will be done remotely. This doesn't bother or scare me, but does complicate things some. I know a rough estimate of ARV based on other houses in area, but have no clue what rehab or current value is. Should I hire an inspector and ask for a estimate on repairs? Pay a contractor to do a quote? And if so, what is the best way to go about finding these people? (hopefully some BP members in the Little Rock / Central Arkansas area will see this.) Thanks for any input!