We then give our family member keys, numbers for the plumber, electrician, handyman, etc., and tell them to contact us by email, then check our email when we can.  

Same thing with the electrician and HVAC.  

You might even start visiting the property with different contractors (electrician, windows, counters & cabinets, flooring, etc.).

I have a list of trusted ppl I have used over the past few years, including a plumber, handyman, electrician.

I immediately removed it and told them they could not do this, but that I would set up my electrician to come out to wire the room if they paid for it. 

It seems very high to me, especially since I hired a licensed and bonded electrician for only $65 an hour.Also, any recommendations for a good property manager in Beaufort, SC?

I'm past the electrician stage now, so I'll keep this idea in mind for the future.

My daughter's PM nightmare was that they called everything an emergency, and emptied her account of thousands of dollars without notifying her - until they called her to tell her she needed to put more money in the account.Most will use their own maintenance guys, charge you ridiculous amounts of money for repairs, also charge you to supervise the repairs, charge you to find a tenant, charge you to get rid of the bad tenant they got you, and even charge you to fire them.Just really look over the contract, and negotiate anything you don't like.OR - take some time to find a good handyman or a list of plumbers, electricians, gardeners, etc., and just make those phone calls yourself and save the PM fees.I'm sure you'll hear from investors here who have great managers.  

I've had a few electricians look at the damage, and tell me over the phone that the reason for the damaged box is because ComEd when originally run wire underground to the home it did not leave enough "slack" and over the years with the home settling and the harsh winters the wire had pulled back from the home causing the box to be pulled along with it and cause the damage.

Then, I am going to have to pay an electrician to do the work adding the meter box etc.