Ask local materials distributors which contractors pay their billing on time, and who order materials consistently.Go to some local REI meetups and ask for referrals.Look at local jobsite and take note of truck signage.Of course verify their licensing, here's a link https://lni.wa.gov/licensing-permits/contractors/hiring-a-co...

Quote from @Bill B.: Because the cost of roofs, ac units, water heaters and so on don’t care if you collect $600/mo in rent or $3,000/mo.  

Put the capital in a low-risk instrument (CD, t-bill) that will preserve as much capital as possible even while making your mandatory (5%?)

The catch with the estimate is you may be wildly off since it's a new home and you don't really know what those bills will be until you've lived there a year (seasonal variability). 

I'm a member of one local STR page that vets owners by requiring they see a utility bill with the address and the owner's name.

I like it fine.My personal properties I use Excel.It is very powerful and customizable.

buy a mult with 3% down and live in 1 unit and have the other 1 or 2 units pay the bills. rinse and repeat. get wealthy and be extra generous.

@Bill NolanI need to add an update to my recent post.

May be a good question for Bill Belichick.

We didn't want to deal with the headache of stranded guests with no power.