Some of the negativeee feedback is often rooted in a mismatch between investor (and their portfolio location, type and price point) and PM - if that does not line up, it will not end well.I would suggest narrow it down from online research and then interview your favorites in person.

The repairman seems like a standup guy, and he has solid reviews on Google, but I think he might not be seeing something that is the root problem here. 

That usually nixes the drive to pay a guru big bucks for a hot take.While networking with agents, lenders, home inspectors, insurance agents, etc isn't truly free (you'll likely spend a decent amount on coffees, lunches, etc) it IS an ideal way to build up a network of people in the space who are rooting for you. 

-Sewer lines had roots in the line, causing a whole house flood (luckily only concrete subfloor at that moment).

I tried a fix and flip - I would rather get a root canal. 

Keep doing that until you get to the root reason. 

To the question, the best realtor I've worked w/as a client encouraged us, rooted us on, keep it simple, keep it moving...many of us will get caught up in minutia, negative headspace...a big part of our job is to pull them back from whatever ledge they are standing on.

I have family roots in Jersey City but the taxes are too high so I was thinking maybe in the surrounding suburbs.

I have family roots in Jersey City but the taxes are too high so I was thinking maybe in the surrounding suburbs.

I'd rather have a root canal done.