I think your able to refine you're efforts, and resources, to more get yo more fertile ground by using a refined mailing list.

If I can subsidize a renters property and make 12,000 in a year with little effort, why wouldn't someone try it?

Absolutely make use of all the online tools available throughout the processEvaluate resumes and reviews/recommendations from trusted resouces, peers and past clients (like you would on LinkedIn for example)Narrow down your search to the top candidates and schedule in-person interviewsChoose your top 3-4 final candidates and check referencesThen ask at least three to provide bids for your scope of work requiredEvaluate the bids and pick your top candidate...then there is one crucial step left...Make sure to take an in person look at the physical finished work your final chosen contractor has done recently.Like almost everything else in real estate, choosing a great contractor requires time and effort.  

I started doing some home flipping from 2001 - 2009, then got into buy and hold.I am at a cross roads, so I recently sold some properties, in an effort to have a portfolio of quality over quantity.Not exactly sure what my next move will be, the big challenge for me has been learning about tenant issues, and dealing with some unexpected repairs, both my wife and I took a course and are IPOANS CAM Certified (Certified Property managers).We only manage our own properties, plus have a couple of hired property managers to help with some out of town units, however, I have been studying tenancy rules, laws, and have become addicted to answering property management questions.What attracted me to join this site, is all the different types of real estate investment people are involved in.I look forward to participating in the forum.Michael P Currie

You never know when the market will decide to screw you over and significantly kill your value, so try to make more of an effort to get the properties at a discount.

Maybe taking the previous owner to small claims court will get you somewhere as the roof was his responsibility but is it really worth the effort? 

In an effort to make this a vacation rental, I am building where I knew there were restrictions.

Value in both sets of doors in city have risen approximately 60% as of today.Based upon my small sample size, rents and appreciation have actually increased at faster rate in my Oakland properties.I agree that the work to get the properties up to market rates is not as easy in Oakland, but it is possible with some effort. 

hey all, I'm a small time investor setting my affairs in order in anticipation of 1) retirement and 2) a global and/or national fiscal crisis.

so it's easy money for no effort but some risk.