How do you guys check the status of the regulation without spending hours searching and calling, not even sure if you get reliable answers?

Finding reliable GC's in Houston is already tough enough as it is, and the insurance work (depending on their level of payouts) could very well become the priority.

What is everyone best source for reliable information?

Not necessarily looking for cheap, but looking for reliable, fast and not too expensive ;)Any resources that the members here use to find them?

Maybe contact some general contractors because they seem to have problems finding reliable subs or help ---I find that some are using help off Craigslist and it hasn't worked out well. 

If they are good reliable tenants, they will get caught back up

Networking in Chicago - where/how did you find a reliable contractor/handyman/other key players?  

I know that the property management it's not a primary consideration but I share it with you cause I have a very good and reliable team in Orlando so I'm sure they will save me a lot of money if they will take care of the properties.I'll be happy to get advices and detail info from a local investors in those cities. please be specific including neighborhood names or zip codes where you think will be the best to put the money in. 

My friend gets it installed and heads off to the airport (I flew him out from Seattle and paid him hourly since I’m still building my list of reliable contractors).

As far as the stock market goes your money is at significantly more risk than a savings account and it is very volatile in the short term however over long term (10+ years) low cost index funds have proved themselves reliable, unfortunately this isn't a feasible time frame if you are saving for a down payment in most cases.