I've got a great relationship with the owners of a local pizza chain.

It's not the easiest way to make money, you need to stay on top of the logistics of things, and keep a good relationship with FedEx, but it's steady money, and once the route is established and you have some reliable drivers, it's good income.

Keep one thing in mind @Kyle Doneyif this is a contractor you have a good relationship with you may want to come to some compromise if you are asking them to do business in a city where they don't normally work.

Its best if the architect and GC have a prior working relationship so it will make your life easier.I could do a whole session on this but hopefully this gives you and others who read this some ideas to start with.

That why when dealing with lenders, their has to be a trustful relationship.

This IS the best place online for Investors to chat, Q&A, learn and create relationships.

We'll do 25+ deals in the market so agents and GCs see an opportunity to scale and they treat the relationship with a ton of respect. 

@Jill Herges If you have 1 unit and plan on ending your relationship with Cozy I would think so. 

Let's explore some effective approaches for managing investment properties:With a Property Manager:Screening and Selecting Tenants: Entrust your property manager to handle tenant screening, background checks, and selection, ensuring reliable renters for your investment.Rent Collection: Property managers can ensure timely rent collection and handle any late payments or lease violations professionally.Maintenance and Repairs: Delegate routine maintenance tasks and repairs to your property manager, who can coordinate with contractors and vendors to keep your property in top condition.Tenant Relations: Property managers serve as the primary point of contact for tenants, addressing their concerns and ensuring a positive rental experience.Lease Enforcement and Evictions: Trust your property manager to enforce lease terms and handle the eviction process if necessary, following legal procedures.Financial Management: Property managers can handle financial tasks such as budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, providing you with regular updates on property performance.Without a Property Manager:Self-Management: Take on the responsibility of managing the property yourself, handling tasks such as advertising vacancies, screening tenants, and collecting rent.Outsourcing Specific Tasks: While not hiring a full-time property manager, consider outsourcing tasks like maintenance and repairs to trusted contractors or service providers.Utilizing Technology: Leverage property management software and online platforms to streamline processes such as rent collection, lease management, and maintenance requests.Establishing Clear Policies: Set clear policies and procedures for tenants regarding rent payments, maintenance requests, and lease terms to minimize conflicts and misunderstandings.Regular Inspections: Conduct regular inspections of the property to identify maintenance issues or lease violations early on and address them promptly.Building Relationships: Maintain open communication and positive relationships with tenants to foster a sense of community and encourage better care of the property.Whether you choose to hire a property manager or manage the property yourself, effective communication, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to property management are key to maximizing returns and maintaining the value of your investment.

I'm in CA as well, let's connect :)With a phone and strong relationships on-the-ground, man :-)