They partnered with an experienced realtor who handled most of the contractor coordination while they focused on financing and design decisions..

additional challenges are the inventory shortage and good contractors being extremely busy. 

But even those who decide they don't need a mentor still need a team (loan broker, property manager, contractor, etc.).

As used in this Section 18, "Interest in the Property" means any legal or beneficial interest in the Property, including, but not limited to, those beneficial intereststransferred in a bond for deed, contract for deed, installment sales contract or escrow agreement, the intent of which is the transfer of title by Borrower at a future date to purchaser.If all or any part of the Property or any Interest in the Property is sold or transferred

I made some resources for my out-of-state investors like a neighborhood graded map and contractor rolodex that I can share with you!

I'm considering a fixer upper to retain as a rental but need guidance on how to pick reputable contractors.  

We were trying to manage every minute of scheduling for the sub-contractors.

However, exploring out of state markets could offer stronger cash flow upfront, so it’s worth evaluating both paths.A piece of advice would be to focus on building your core 4  team: agent, lender, contractor, and property manager.

I then hired contractors for plumbing, electrical, roofing, and HVAC upgrades.

But the answer for everyone may differ.Here are the personal attributes I see in those able to achieve a higher than market ROI, enough higher to be able to “scale”.1- Knowledge of real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance2- Minimum 3 -5 years full time, or near full time experience directly related to real estate investing3- Ability to utilize technology for increased efficiency, capacity, and accuracy4- Excellent hired legal counsel and excellent hired marketing help5- Established method(s) of obtaining consistently high QUALITY deal flow6- Ability to manage and choose people who are NOT employees: Attorneys, Appraisers, Mortgage Brokers, Real Estate Brokers, Title Companies, Surveyors, Marketing Specialists, Accountants, Contractors, Consultants, Property Managers7- A VERIFIABLE track record of success8- Ability to identify, analyze, and negotiate a deal that can be “worked” for “enhanced” ROI9- Some type of competitive advantage; for example for me it’s my ability to analyze and identify mortgage loans that are actually less risky than all other lenders believe (on the investing in debt side), and on the real property side it’s my ability to analyze”pull the trigger” with LESS information than other investors need,  combined with the ability to pay cash, or raise significant capital almost instantly as well as being able to obtain loans at the lowest prime customer bank rate with no recourse or personal liability.