Whether you spend time networking, reading books, watching videos or connecting on bigger pockets or if you spend cash hiring a mentor, maybe partnering up with or doing free intern work for a real estate investor; whichever route you decide to go investing in yourself is one of the best investments you can make. 

Here is my two cents: When hiring a contractor for substantial renovations, start by researching local licensed and insured contractors with solid reviews.

A few years later, I hired a local Wyoming attorney to create a living trust.

I have done it successfully on my last 2 buildouts, maybe 3, but only because I was able to acquire the properties at a very low price and I did all the work in-house (myself and some hired hands on staff).

Larger cities offer better infrastructure, such as international airports, interstate highways, and a broader talent pool, making them attractive to businesses and tenants.Avoid Rent ControlRent control laws can hinder your ability to adjust rents to match inflation, limit tenant screening, and complicate evictions.

Step 3- hire property manager to manage/look for rentersStep 4- look to refiance out of the hard money loan(how long after having a renter in can we refiance?)

As RE developers we all know how important it is to hire good, reliable residential contractors. 

It depends on who you're hiring but that seems fairly standard.  

Granted there is a cost in hiring an agent, Having someone analyze each deal with localized knowledge is worth its weight in gold.

Next you want to hire a realtor.