Looking for a direct referral from an investor who has used someone and they have delivered both on price and timeline.  

Also, the rise in property prices here in Detroit are still not to the point that they are hindering savvy operations on delivering rental properties to investors at the 2% rule, 20%+ COC returns or the best rent to values ratio in the country.

I toss both in the trash because I get about 10 vendors delivering them to me monthly.

You can always ask the seller to deliver whatever unit you want to be vacant upon closing.

And do not promise a move in date unless your 100% confident you can deliver!

I also find that the smaller shops deliver them more quickly and will also do measurements for you if you want to pay for that service.

I know I'm "only delivering food" in some people's eyes, but I have saved $12,000 since February with the exact purpose of buying a duplex in mind. 

Since I need to get the repairs done with or without them there, what is the lead time required to deliver them a notice the electricity will be shut off? 

@Jonathan Abbott Are you sure the postcards have been delivered yet, or even sent?

If you want them out and havent purchased, best approach is to have it as a condition in the purchase contract that it will be delivered vacant.