Referrals are by far the most efficient, economical and profitable way to do business.

Quote from @Lolo Druff: I've heard horror stories about awful property management companies and am looking for a REFERRAL for a trusted source from an investor.

@Adam RossRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

Would appreciate referrals as well as any general insights about the market, neighborhoods, etc.  

I think it is always a good idea to interview a few different PMs and ask for referrals of owners they are currently managing properties for to see if they are satisfied with their PM.Thanks Jake

It was Civic Financial - I’m not sure they do referral bonuses or anything but I can share a contact info if you needed someone.

I haven’t personally worked with Five Stream Ventures, but I’ve found that vetting companies like these is all about the referrals and track record.

And if your any good in 10 years you will have created your own brand and doing a lot of bizz or most by referral..

Post on local Facebook pages for contractor referrals, go to local REIAs, and ask your potential agents and PMs (even if not using a PM at first...you may at some point).There is only so much that service providers can do and many of them are far from "experts"; so, be prepared to be your own expert at being willing to figure stuff out as you move forward.

Referral can come directly.