When vetting contractors, check if they’re licensed and insured, ask for at least 3 references and call them, and get detailed written estimates and timelines.

If you’re referring to the “newbies” with $10k to their name that watch a video by Pace and get excited and pay for joining, go out with their last $5k and do a sub to with a “desperate” homeowner without revealing all the possible consequences (because they are unaware of the consequences through lack of experience and lack of knowledge and or choose not to inform the seller) then I agree, it’s probably going to turn out badly for all concerned.If on the other hand you’re referring to a seasoned investor with excellent credit, significant cash reserves, who wants to add a property to their portfolio without going through loan qualifying, and can pay enough to give the seller “walking away” money because of the low existing interest rates and or, and is dealing with a informed seller, then I find nothing wrong or negative about the transaction.  

I do not work for Stessa in any capacity and I don't receive anything from referring them.

By the way, when I reference "Boston" I also include surrounding towns like Everett, Malden, Somerville, Medford, Cambridge, Watertown, etc. 

I’ve included a photo for reference of the kitchen which is the main attraction of the Mass home.Now I am looking to pursue REI long-term and am looking for tips on how those more experienced in the field have operationalized and scaled the property selection process.Our thinking for this first official investment is to either acquire a duplex/triplex and add our touch or acquire a single family where an ADU can be added.

Find a reliable Realtor, as they can refer you to other key team members.

@Rafael Valdor some advice when screening PMCs-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend 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.

And, imaging having one in running it all and "poof" then there gone, holly-heck that's a nightmare right.

This is a good reference for myself and personal private lenders.

The section references age in many places, consistently mentioning the end of the year.