Ive always had positive experiences going this route and I feel like it also makes my offers stand out from the rest.

This was a full house remodel, completely down to the studs.Project budget going in was $52,000 - I'm on pace to be closer to $65,000 and that's with me doing a lot of the work.Of that, it looks like close to $4,000-5,000 will be attributable to disreputable contractors.Oddly enough many of these folks have the gall to reach out later and ask for more work. 

I like my apartments to stand out.

He claims he can directly attribute at least $4M in sales over those 15 years to him attending these things.I am dubious about it but he believes it.

Also, put up a picture in your profile-it will make you stand out more and people will take you more serious if you really put effort into everything you do.

Partnering between two people both with no or limited experience; both with no or limited capital, or because they’re “good friends” and want an adventure together, will ultimately result not only in the failure of the partnership, but often in long term bitter feeling of blame and hostility between the ex partners.The partnerships that are successfully, both financially and socially, have most of these characteristics1- the  parties bring complimentary attributes to the partnership2- the parties are of a like mind concerning ethics3- the parties view risk - return the same way4- the parties goals are aligned5- the parties RESPECT one another 6- the parties are willing to defer to the other partner in that partner’s area of expertise7- neither party is under undo financial pressure8- each partner’s “significant other” is supportive of the partnership9- the partners have an agreed plan in case of death or incapacity of one partner10 - the partners have a legal, executed buyout plan in case one or both parties want to terminate the partnershipIf you’re considering going into a real estate, or any business partnership, you may want to consider the above and take a hard look at the chances of success.  

It doesn't take a lot to stand out as a better stay in some neighborhoods, but might be more competitive in others.

I'd removed it* the quote was never 'closed' or attributed to anyone.

By sticking with these ratios( there are some compensating factors to move those around) we generally have less than 10% default rate.2) The turn key rental/ sell to an investor properties has these attributes-- 1) property is in decent repair (not the Taj Mahal- but decent clean housing), 2) major repairs are done, 3) tenant is screened/underwritten like when we sell on owner financing-- we do criminal background, don't care about credit as long as they paid their last landlord and the one before- or have good reason for not doing so, 4) 12 month lease, 5) sell on 10 or 12 cap (10% or 12% annual ROI) depending on neighborhood.In working class neighborhoods we sell turn keys on 10 cap, in lower income neighborhoods we sell turn keys on 12 cap. 

It's not that much more expensive and is one of those things that can really make your unit stand out (and lower your vacancy rate).In terms of where to start trying to find, I would start networking to find a good GC.