They do make sheet vinyl that looks like wood and if you go to a flooring store usually they will have a much larger selection and can even save you money with different types of installation like going over exsisting floors with a floating vinyl sheet install. 

And, simultaneously, go back to all the contacts built over this time and now inquire and ask "how do you think i could be/do __(strategy of selection)___?

My suggestion would be to select someone with the most forum posts or most reviews.

Ultimately, selecting a competent and reputable property management company is crucial to safeguarding the profitability of real estate investments.

This is determined by the location, the tenant segment you target and the companies they work for.In the rest of this post, I will explain how to select the investment location, tenant segment, and property, as well as the information needed and the sources.Selecting an Investment Location or CityThe investment location is your most crucial investment decision, not the property itself.

Perhaps some of these amenities come later (schools, retail/commercial) but selecting markets that have the capabilities of incorporating these features is a good start.

Very selectively  LOL.   

Pick your battles selectively as you do not want them to make your life difficult.  

It was advertised but we were very selective of who we let rent it the first year.

I recommend you read some books about how to manage properties well, use a strong contract, know that contract inside/out, know your state law inside/out, build policies and procedures to catch and stop problems quickly, know how to screen and select good applicants, etc.An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.