We were trying to manage every minute of scheduling for the sub-contractors.

In my opinion, the best agents, appraisers, home inspectors, contractors, lenders will utilize AI as a complement towards their existing businesses to spur greater growth and operational efficiencies.

Yes, the contractors were bad people, but there were hundreds of red flags waving in your face and you ignored them all. 

Be an area expert on contracts, zoning, value add components, contractors, and so much more. 

I gained an interest in Real Estate while looking for a contractor that also worked with an investor that has rent to own home we worked for.

Maybe a contractor whose income varies. 

I’m a contractor with a couple single family homes for rent.

You can find lots of real estate related resources (wholesalers, buyers, contractors, realtors, lenders, property managers etc.) 

I'm considering a fixer upper to retain as a rental but need guidance on how to pick reputable contractors.  

I think this is the first step so they can know who has the lead pipes before they pass a local ordinance to require the replacement at the property owner's expense.It's a "first registration, then confiscation", of sorts.