While we have some experience in rehab work we would like to hire a reliable GC to work on the project with us.

The county inspector, combined with the building inspector, and zoning department will know about this and building density allowed as well.Chances are, if the system is only 17 years old, it is probably built very close to current standards, and probably has years of reliable service remaining.

Perhaps there are some markets with so many eager, talented, cost-effective, and reliable workers it's easy to find them at exactly the moment some folks need them. 

I am looking for a reliable real estate agent in the Westchester New York area.

You need reliable labor, expensive machinery, a comfy reserve, and farming and farmland are probably one of the least profitable real estate investment strategies... at least from my sights. 

Does anyone have a recommendation for reliable property management in Jacksonville, Fla or Memphis, TN?

My main objective is to generate $15k of reliable, monthly cashflow in the next 5-6 years with a buy and hold investment strategy.

I have family support in Charlotte, and I have reliable people I have trained to check on rental applications and interface with me/ I can also go to the area if need be to make sure things are running smoothly.

Where do I start with finding a reliable and trustworthy contractor. 

Start looking outside your home town, places you have reliable contacts in first.Maybe your folks live somewhere cheaper and they could help you?