I recommend doing this with a few contractors, so you get a variety of opinions and see their different approaches to the same property. 

Pretty much the opposite of cap rate....the wide variety of answers and points bring brought up has shown there's not agreement around this idea of buying cash flow vs investing in assets.  

They offer a variety of opportunities for both commercial and residential properties agents. 

I'd primarily be looking for someone who is comfortable doing a variety of odd jobs, with maybe a background in basic plumbing.

Please note that there are numerous "tracks" of additional education for you to peruse on a variety of topics. 

if the former, I recommend the MBA as I think you will learn more varied skills and employers like to see variety.

@Will Grabert,Rents can definitely recede for a variety of reasons, e.g. major employer leaves, over supply being built, 2008.

There are a variety of ways to do it.

I really appreciate getting the variety of people's opinions.

You may get a few dead leads and unqualified people but how many can depend on a variety of things (location, rent amount, listing description, etc.).To effectively screen prospective tenants, you can/should ask for W-2 forms, recent pay stubs, employment verification, landlord referral letters, and conduct a background check on them as well.