This is not speculation either.  40 years of data shows the economy here is setup to have reliable appreciation. 

Where do you all start searching for contractors in your area? I am in Bakersfield, Ca and on the hunt for my 1st flip.Thank you Adam

My biggest challenge has been to connect with local resources that are reliable.

I’ve been having some bad luck with contractors in Knoxville and need to find a good, honest, reliable contractor to complete a job that is now 9 months late!

I have no way to reliably determine whether any of these startups are fairly valued or not.We also control the business plan, can use low cost long term leverage, and have well-demonstrated exit strategies. 

I'm concerned about reliability and the liability if they don't do it (or do a poor job) and someone slips.I realized that there are a lot of other 4+ unit properties right near this one so I'm going to try and get in touch with the PMs to see about using the same services they do in the hopes we can both get a break on price. 

Any suggestions on how to find reliable contractors in the Tampa area?

The best way I have found reliable hard money lenders and contractors are to ask other real estate investors in your area.

Do you care most about getting the maximum dollar, or do you care most about reliability of the Buyer? 

You don't want to buy property and then find out you can't locate a reliable manager!