Any recommendations in KC, Missouri for a reliable GC- looking for someone who can operate in 64130 area. 

Since the mortgage rates have been higher than previous years and the inventory has been lower I'd recommend looking into multi family options that are currently cash flowing in areas that values are increasing.

Just get really good insurance is my recommendation.

-How do you conduct background checks, and which services do you recommend?

Quote from @David Strunk: I know this question is off topic but I am also in NC the Charlotte area and was wondering if you could recommend a good CPA?

Additionally, the supply of homes for sale is constrained because of this and will be for some time putting upward pressure on prices in most markets.Thinking about renting your house in Seattle would be wise as someone else will pay the mortgage down, and rents and the value of the property will go up over time.

For lenders, I have access to private money lenders or if you want to go the traditional route, I recommend checking out Coast to Coast - Jeff Weller. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I highly recommend hiring an attorney, at least for your first time.Some attorneys specialize in evictions.

@Tove Fox hope you find this copy & paste useful:)-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?