Hiring a contractor out of state - calling referrals

[Stacee Evans]

I live in southern California and I'm purchasing my first flip in Texas.  I'm just starting to put together a team and I was referred to a contractor that sounds like a great referral.  He gave me a list of investors that have hired him and some are out of state.  I'm going to call them and I have a few questions to ask, but I'm wondering if there is anything important I'm missing.  I don't want to take up too much of their time, but I want to make sure I'm asking the right questions.  I would appreciate any input or suggestions. Thank you. 

[Stacee Evans]

@Kuba F. Thank you for your  response.  None of the referrals live near me, but your suggestions are helpful.   I especially like the idea of starting with smaller projects until we have a relationship built up.  It's tempting to jump into a major fixer, but I'm going to hold off until I have a few under my belt and have a team built up I can work with.