How to find affordable, competent handymen who aren't tax cheats?

[Bienes Raices]

Based on my recent experiences it's starting seem like the two choices are between using some expensive incorporated service like "The Handyman Connection" (which I found to suck, btw), and taking a chance on the whole 1099 issue with IRS on someone who "only takes cash". :roll: I don't like being put in this position. Of course I would love to be able to do all these little tasks myself and avoid the handymen, but I still don't feel I have the knowledge without taking 10 times as long as it would a skilled person to do it. Any advice on how to deal with this? Maybe I just haven't looked hard enough yet?

[Jeff B.]

Other investors at the RE meeting should be able to help you with the handy man. As for paying under the table, I wouldn't do it. Have some pre-printed receipts and when you receive the signed receipt in one hand you give the money to the handyman in other hand. What happens if you need to do a call back and you get every excuse and they don't show. If you don't have a contract or proof of payment then you don't have a prayer in court.

I have been fortunate in finding a larger reno team (INC) that is just a little more than most handy man but they are pro's and are very motivated to get in and out to move on to the next one while still doing great work.