After vetting several companies, I let a reputable company manage for me and it didn’t take me long to realizes they were taking far too much of my money.

We are discussing buying the properties, but how do we go about changing the reputation of the properties?

Your own willingness to do a shady deal, not use your own insurance, pull permits or pay taxes puts you in the position of a less than reputable contractor.

Hold off on entering the business until you're ready to give your clients 100%, as to do otherwise is a disservice to your clients and the overall reputation of agents everywhere.

I think that in this business that no matter what area you are practicing, our professional integrity, consideration, putting in the work to make sure as much as possible, you do your part and help make the deal good, you build a good reputation.

If your reputation means anything I'd suggest you not get on the wholesaling circus train of clowns.

I'm exploring the real estate world and have been looking at a whole ton of different properties online and trying to scope out my first deal.

Can anybody recommend a reputable company?

Make sure they've done several deals in the area that you're exploring.  

What they don't preach is how much hard work is involved, or how reputation is EVERYTHING....