They need to have gone through and done their own deals to put their money where there mouth is, otherwise potential investors won't trust them, and frankly, they have no business trying to convince investors to give them money anyway.  

They found us through word or mouth & our deals. 

Took the words out of my mouth.

I’m not a big fan of bad mouthing other contractors, and I will never say this guy underbid it, I mean, his price will always be different from mine.

Unless there were an 'easy' method of doing so, I think he's likely happier to find a new rental. 

It's free, immediately available and you are talking to the people who will actually issue your permit and sometimes inspect the work, so you are getting your information straight from the horses mouth.

Then they are turned off forever and become one of those people bad mouthing investing in real estate because it cost them a lot of money. 

                                     Negotiate from a Position of StrengthThe old “Poor Mouthing the Offer” which some buyer agents still recommend is an outdated & flawed strategy, especiallyin a seller’s market.

Some will come from Facebook, some will come from google adwords, some will come from your mail, and some will come from word of mouth. 

Wow - That's a mouthful and a lot to wrap your brain around so having a good QI to guide you through is essential (as well as a statutory requirement).Most folks will go into a 1031 like yours aggressively seeking replacements.