Same with roofer, car mechanic, carpet installer, painter, etc.

We ended going over budget by about $5k due to unexpected issues with painter and concrete contractors but the asking price is higher than we had planned.

Does anyone execute formal written contracts with subs?  Or is it just one persons word?

Anyone in Minneapolis or Saint Paul have good leads on a painter or flooring guy?

I had one carpenter working inside, the roofers doing their thing, and a couple painters working their magic outside.

Has anyone worked with a good painter who has reasonable prices and is reliable in the KC area?

I made dam good money on the oil rigs, and as a journeyman painter, but when the recession came those jobs went away. 

Become an agent, appraiser, painter, photographer, wholesaler, inspector, stager... all things that might help keep the ship afloat while at the same time keeping you close to real estate and helping you network as you look for flips.I would also consider looking for joint ventures with experienced flippers.

@Matthew Drouin - can you recomend a good painter on the East side?

The license is required for home improvements , so a landscaper , a roofer , a paving contractor , a painter , and a window installer all take the SAME test .