I'm going to quote names instead of books so that you can also search them on youtube for interviews and podcasts:  Gary KellerRobert KiyosakiPeter ThielNaval Ravikanth (mostly general wealth-building advice but he drops gold every time he opens his mouth)

It drive me nuts when a successful person is being interviewed TV, Radio, Podcast whatever and the interview ask something like "what's your prediction about xyz?"

Regardless of how you find them, try to interview at least three managers1.

Any advice as I interview lenders in the area.

What's y'alls method for interviewing and making relationships with the various contractors?

Regardless of how you find them, try to interview at least three managers1.

I have begun the process for At Fault Eviction, and am currently interviewing Lawyers in the area.

If you haven't signed anything, just tell them you've interviewed a few people and decided to go with another realtor. 

I would check several markets and start interviewing some people to see how it looks.

I would recommend searching some of the bigger brokerages locally such as KW, Compass, Coldwell Banker, etc.and interview with them to see what they offer in terms of training, support, etc.