Plus if you are worried about the seller damaging the place, then inviting contractors in to do work is asking for trouble...redoing the roof immediately after closing is completely doable.

Realtors are the same percentagewise as any other profession, whether it be doctors, lawyers, contractors, you name it. 10% are garbage80% are average10% are pros If you can find the last 10%, go with a Realtor and make your life easier. 

Hello, I own a plumbing company with 40 + employees and mostly work under contractors that do remodel, new construction and commercial work.

Plus you will need to carry your own team or be in good with sub contractors which means you need volume.  

I have a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Arizona and spent 4 years in the military prior to that.

My husband is a contractor.

Tenants pay heat, electric.

Shorter holding periods also help mitigate risk, so working with a reliable contractor is key.

Making contacts including HML, contractors, RAs and Property Managers.

Born and raised Buffalonian,  contractor, real estate agent / flipper.