Sounds like you need to have a relationship with a couple of good contractors, 40k for vinyl siding sounds high, what was the material cost.  

We roll 100% of rehab costs into the loan package with 4 draws for licensed contractors.

He is a contractor by trade and I am the sales and numbers guy to loosely define us.

How do I find contacts for contractors and agents in Portland?

If that is one of the only contractors and the lien is considerable that’s another story - but not enough info to tell

We learned that contractors are hard to guard.

Instead you will cash flow right out of the gate and appreciation is faster in those states with TLC properties or adding things like an ADU, or Carriage home on a bigger lot.Most of my investors that live in CA purchase in those states listed above and in most cases its easy to introduce them to local Seasoned realtors Contractors, Handy Men/Women that can help them save money and feel secure about the distance from home to REI.

Personally, I would never invest in a place I didn't even visit and also meet/interview the people who would be involved (agent, manager, contractor, etc.)

Speaking to a contractor, just to remodel 3 of the 8 buildings could cost around $750,000. 

I’ve built strong relationships with agents, contractors, and other investors in the area, and one of my contacts informed me that the owner was considering selling but hadn’t listed the property yet.