This is completely appropriate - except that wasn't how I was going to use it. 

Multiple times projects took so long to get started or to get an appropriate bid, I ended up having to handle it myself (ie. roof replacement, unit turns, etc.) 

You can be assured we know how to underwrite the loans appropriately without headache.

However (I'm an insurance agent not an attorney) the legal wrangling of the PM not taking a necessary action could set up a situation where the insurance carrier pays then subrogates back against the PM company for their inaction so the property manager should also have appropriate general liability coverage for their business.This next part can change by state and insurance carrier...Being named as lienholder or mortgagee can set up the lender being involved on the payout of any damages - say there is a fire the checks cut for damage could name the insured and lender so both parties have to agree how those funds will be used.Some carriers have a rule that if the loss amount is under a certain dollar amount the check is only cut in the owners name / if the loss exceeds a threshold (say $25k) the check is cut in both the owner and mortgagee names.Being named as loss payee is literally that - the check is cut in your name or both the insured and your name. 

You can also check meetup.com or search Facebook for real estate investment groups, clubs, or meetings in your area.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

My rental is in Upstate NY and I have a great lawyer that I could refer to you who could help you draw up the appropriate lease.

There's a very good chance the issue(s) you face have already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

What type of real estate are you purchasing in CA and most importantly  can you articulate the dispute you believe will rise to the level (with appropriate standing) to be litigated and benefit from being litigated in DE?

You can, and should, interview them and ask them all of the appropriate screening questions - but you won't be able to "test" them out without contributing significant capital as part of your test. 

There's a very good chance the issue(s) you face have already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.