I would encourage you to meet with several of the brokerages in town to discuss your vision and how they operate their respective firms. 

There work is poor, there vision lacks long term and their service is suspect as the investor has my company go in and fix the issue left.

I have an eye for how things could be and vision for properties to be better than they are are. 

A contractor shouldn't be relied on for the vision of the property, they can tell you what it will cost; whatever IT is you ask them to do. 

As long as you are doing SOMETHING to move your vision forward, you are making progress.

Anytime there are no barriers to entry and visions of quick riches for little work, there are going to be shady operators.You sound like a nice person acting above board @Quintessa Haynes.  

and expected to be paid and had no long-term vision.

The more people that have a vision and tough skin to see it happen will reap the rewards that I believe this area will and can provide an investor. 

I bought my first house did a house hack, by renting out a room.12 years later I moved out and rented the whole house out.This last May I bought my second house to live in.I am currently looking for a duplex, triplex or fourplex by the end of the year.It took me I feel a really long time to get to this point, but life circumstances slowed my vision.

Be aware though that Pittsburgh can be a bit tricky when it comes to finding that perfect property that fits your budget and vision.