One of the most reputable organization I have known.

I'd recommend getting 2-4 quotes from reputable GCs with extensive experience here in SD.

We put on tyvek suits and opened the windows that worked , broke the glass on those that didnt , threw fans in the windows for 4 days before we went back in .( neighbors complained about the smell and the closest house was 50 ft away )  We made a pump system and used a new plastic trash can and sprayed with a garden hose over 100 gallons of a bleach , soap and water over floors , ceilings and walls just to sanitize as best we could . 

We've managed to build some solid contacts with a few wholesalers that I've found to be very reputable.

North Carolina is a Lanlord friendly state.North Carolina is worth the investment because of our high occupancy rates and a high demand for rental homes, the local real estate investors love the historically performance stability, specifically single family homes.North Carolina has very good reputable colleges and universities, that’s the reason a lot of people make their move to NC and want to just rent a house until they get acquainted with the area.Charlotte’s home prices compared to states up north are dramatically significant.

Is it finding local properties in disrepair, finding hard money lenders, or getting to know reputable contractors?

I am in need of reputable outfit that provides consolidated  Family  Office Services under one roof in Sacramento  area( Asset Protection, Trust and inheritance, Tax  services and strategies  and   Financial Advice for  Real Estate Investors ).

Finally, reputation is important.

Does anyone have any recommendations on reputable companies and/or a reference?

You could contact them and they might be better able to represent you a a buyer's agent, or refer you to other good reputable agents in the area.