My main goal with BiggerPockets is to connect with other investors and hopefully build a reliable network of lenders, property managers, contractors, and agents.

rates are high, prices are high, good PMs and contractors are booked up and busy, and it's very tough to find good deals. 

Hi Matt,Madison Plumbing (256-895-0466), J Henry Plumbing (256-585-5483), and Boydstun Plumbing (256-400-9606) are all great options to consider, and they’re within about 30 minutes of Huntsville.

It should have some sort of a cap - surely they aren't taking 15% of a roof repair or expensive plumbing repair...The management fee of 10% during selling is also ridiculous - are they taking a commission when the property sells?

I have renovated with contractors and some DIY.

Any contract or suggestion they give seems overpriced, whereas contracts/work I've found seems to be much more reasonable. 

My favorite ones (as a Contractor) are those like : "How much will it cost to re-wire my entire house?"....."...

We’d like to continue with this project remotely, but the idea of managing contractors and overseeing a renovation from afar feels a bit daunting.Have any of you undertaken a similar project?

Quote from @Paul Gupta: Hi, in California, For jobs requiring a license, there was CSLB (contractor state licensing board) which would give either a General Contractor license, or specialty licenses by trade (~60 specialties such as concrete, welding tile, ) https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classific...My Q: does Maryland and DC area have similar requirements? 

You still need some money to cover part of the rehab until you get your first draw, and if you're a brand new investor you might not qualify for 100% LTC on your first deal, but if you can partner with someone with experience on their track record or can prove significant past contractor experience then we might go that high on your first deal.