You are probably in a good place and your reputation and contacts that could help you.  

These people are very public and have a reputation, so I'm not nearly as concerned.

You must be careful with pocket areas as well as a few condo developments that have a bad reputation.

The reputation of your business could be damaged when the media reports you are the one paying the bill. 

After vetting several companies, I let a reputable company manage for me and it didn’t take me long to realizes they were taking far too much of my money.

We are discussing buying the properties, but how do we go about changing the reputation of the properties?

One fact that you uncover, example, the gasoline manufacturing plant next door, the rental properties that surround your property, etc.  

Your own willingness to do a shady deal, not use your own insurance, pull permits or pay taxes puts you in the position of a less than reputable contractor.

Hold off on entering the business until you're ready to give your clients 100%, as to do otherwise is a disservice to your clients and the overall reputation of agents everywhere.

I think that in this business that no matter what area you are practicing, our professional integrity, consideration, putting in the work to make sure as much as possible, you do your part and help make the deal good, you build a good reputation.