Quote from @Bryant Xavier: @Dan Thomas did you get a plumber to do this also?

Hopefully, this is a useful example of what’s achievable with out-of-state investing, even with no local connections. 

A plumber said the furnace was working? 

Oh, I see, you are not going to hire a plumber.

OR do you call each individual specialist (plumber, electrician, mold expert, etc.)?

Instead, build a solid bench of 3rd party vendors; HVAC, plumber, handyman, etc..When considering whether or not to make a hire, most of it depends on how many hours you can dedicate to that individual each week, at least when hiring a maintenance tech.

Since you are new to the market, you can look at what the top rent pulls look like and cater accordingly on the design.You always want to build relationships with contractors, but that takes time and you always need a solid bench, just like in basketball because some days your starting plumber just doesn't show up and you need to bring in the backup.The rates are the rates and they aren't going way down soon so it's just part of a different metric to evaluate in your new market.Good luck!

Look into getting into a skilled trade as an electrician or a plumber Work more spend less.$10,000 might seem like a lot to you and it is to your circumstances but its doable.Good Luck!

Hey all!
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I'd call insurance before having any sort of plumber to come do any repairs.