You can get similar returns with co-living (padsplit ect), but that will likely not be a long term solution for you since you have not enjoyed being a landlord. 

@Andrew Grimmett If a seller is hesitant due to capital gains taxes, consider creative solutions: suggest an installment sale (seller financing) to spread tax liability over time, a 1031 exchange to defer taxes by reinvesting in another property, or a structured sale for flexible deferred payments.

Likely your best solution is to do a 1031 exchange. 

I've seen many responses from contractors, saying they've got to buy materials, pay their workers, etc and if they don't know you, you should expect to pay a deposit.I can see both sides of the problem.Contractors, if I foot the bill for the materials, your risk is lessened.How can I propose a fair solution to my contractors?

With the ever changing market, I'm looking to learn about how everyone else is finding solutions to the challenges we are facing. 

A lot of agents do use a combo box in conjunction with a Supra.

Assuming these are in decent areas, this is the best solution.

Maybe the solution isnt found in yet another "free"....... 

A better solution, in my opinion, is not to rely on wholesalers,  as not only is it a dying breed due to the sheer incompetence they exhibit due to gurus' wrong instructions and teachings, but, wouldn't it be better to generate your own leads through a high performing website?

From what I’ve read in the Wall Street Journal, companies like ALE Solutions specialize in placing displaced families.. so you might want to explore partnering with them.