It is refreshing to meet with like minded people every week and receive motivation.I wish you good fortune in your efforts! 

Does anyone have a referral for a good handyman and also a cleaner who can do refresh work on rental units?

You can go to kkoslawyers.com and/or Mark holds a podcast (Refresh Your Wealth) each week with his business partner who specializes in SDRF.    

I have taken to reading books on economics etc. to get a better grasp of the economy in general and refresh college courses from years ago.  

That might be interesting to know as some of these neighborhoods are rapidly appreciating, while others are flatlined or worse. no more than 12 months. if you want the data refreshed i can for like previous 90 daysthis is also a starting point. not an end all be all for running numbers on i'd say. 

I double-checked what I entered in the BiggerPockets rental calculator:Vacancy 4% (1 month out of 24); CapEx (3%, no basis); Repairs 2% (assuming just some carpet refresh during turnover and maybe paint refresh), plus insurance $30 per month, 10% PM fee, property taxes $70 per month.

Although you are experienced I added the below links to refresh your memory as you wait for local networking connections.

Since your interest lies in flips, I added the below links as a refresher while you build your team.http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/01/07/flipping-houses/ (step by step guide to flips)https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/03/21/flipping-houses-101-j-scott/ (Flipping houses 101 with J.

A change in the market direction would be refreshing.

Kinda refreshing!