JUST LIKE the BBB, most times, it is simply qualifying by having a business name for 1yr, they at times check for insurance, *you stroke a check for xxx amount for the year*, and then you are now a "Certified Contractor" with them! 

You'll typically find the majority are with a reasonable stroke of accurate, but some are exorbitantly high and occasionally you'll find one low. 

I know it is painting in broad strokes, but when I hear of an engineer with a connection to Dayton it seems they usually have an intimate knowledge of the Ghetto.I am still pretty knew to the REI scene, but I do have a small multifamily in Kettering and reliable folks that I work with in Dayton and Cincinnati, so feel free to reach out if you have questions, need recommendations, or just want to spit ball ideas.Along with all the great resources on real estate investing and frugality available through BP, it may serve you well to check out The White Coat Investor (blog, podcast, or book) it is an investing/mindset book for high income earners (especially those with significant student loans).Best of luck.

Neuro, helping TBI and stroke sufferers. 

Different strokes for different folks.

Different strokes for different folks, but align yourself with the strategy you want to pursue.

Different strokes for different folks.How is it going setting up those month to month leases for arbitrage?

My medical problems and the problems because my wife had a stroke, the same year, made us hand over the keys, and we moved to Illinois where the family is.

It appears to be a broad stroke rule of thumb and was a little discouraging when I read it initially.

@Joe Splitrock I will have to say that @Matt M. is not the only exception , I too stroke a check when I get materials , paid in full .