I learned how to coordinate and deal with multiple contractors, I also learned certain ways to be strict when dealing with a budget.

It is hard for me to get down to OC on those evenings, but do on occassion and if you both are going, do let me know, perhaps I can coordinate to get a lift in a helicopter!

They're coordinating with other agencies, collecting supplies (they have a list), and flying it down on Saturday.

They don't want to manage another rookie employee, so make sure that you have something to offer them (be a gopher comes to mind, or a transaction coordinator). 

That said, if you find a contractor with whom you feel comfortable, and can assure them that if you get the project, they get the project, then you might find someone willing (think similarly to the agreement a buyer's agent may have with their client).It's one thing to do a quick walk-through and give you their take on the project, it's another to invest hours into preparing a bid for a project that they may not get (simply because you did not get it), or later have to bid against other contractors to get once you do own it.As for hiring a GC for your initial project or two... that depends a lot on your construction knowledge, your network of subcontractors, available time to do the scope clarification for each and every trade, coordinate their activities with one another, etc.  

The idea is to find motivated sellers and help them through the selling process either off-market (wholesaling/investor purchase) or on-market (hands-on coordination, cosmetic prep, referral to real estate agent).

They can coordinate and supervise the project, protecting the owner in a variety of ways.

Buildertrend also has a solid system built for project scheduling and coordination.

I was sold on it by a number of successful business people who use it and I also purchased Nancy Neville's book as well.But man I just kept making a mess of things- I could not coordinate my two multi-families in a coherent way and I found it to be extraordinarily inflexible!

I do have an on site guy at one of my apartment buildings who coordinates with them if I am not available, which has helped a lot.