Briefcase Builders" are favorites of mine as they value what I bring to the table... so this type of builder tends to seek out guys like me (as consultant, PM, CM, etc.) to have on their team.  

I would say if you work with a good CM, they're not paid a commission based on spread and can give you those lower rates.

Many of your larger communities may have a presence on Facebook with a "Facebook Page" or something like this but unless you begin using it to it's fullest extent then it will be worthless.One of our property managers on one of our properties (140+ units) has been testing some really cool ideas on using the Facebook Marketplace to attract potential residents with great success.Another one our properties has been doing some testing as well with not much success.So today we decided to have both community managers (CMs) get together to compare notes as to why one is working and the other is not.Here are the result:Facebook Marketplace to Attract New ResidentsWhen you have the community Facebook page created, you will want to assign the community manager (CM) as the admin for the page so she/he can have the page join several different groups within the marketplace itself.The CM on the one asset was only posting the vacant units/pics on the generic marketplace page and was getting very little traction. 

I have a scrap granite guy I tend to trade with and I can get the three pieces of 3 cm/1 1/4 in. granite I'll need for that project for under $400, work them myself, and have a basic kitchen done with granite countertops for peanuts.

- CM

How would you go about fixing laminate flooring that was cut unevenly by corners and cut short by the drywall (some are short about a few cm to 2 inches)

If they can handle your Cap-Ex then you pay their CM fee. 

I managed to get on with a GC through some family connections, but they prefer people with a CM or engineering background.My brother has a degree in political science but works for a large GC in the Seattle area.

As a contractor and CM/PM running crews for other investors I would tell you it's best to create the material list yourself.

I recommend having a CM/PM who is separate from your contractor oversee your investment process.