Contractors appreciate the steady work, so when it comes to last minute issues, they don't mind helping me out.

I don't personally like a "GC" in the traditional sense (taking a fee for babysitting) but I'd highly recommend that any investor who doesn't have the experience make sure they get the right guy in there who actually knows the whole scope of work being completed so at least one person can oversee the progress of the job.

We have improved the energy efficiency of one by over 70%, the other is still in-progress.   

That $50-100 can be the best form of advertising in some areas.Good luck on your purchase, and please keep posting updates on how things progress.

Customer service is a high priority to us and after years of building a steady clientele I event planning there have been many referrals and much positive feedback.  

If you have a steady stream of tenants etc who would need to visit your office the last thing you probably want them doing is showing up at your house. 

I would want to cater to people with steady jobs but don't make that much.

This will give me the steady income alongside deal flexibility.

Again only with people with good credit and steady pay checks can do this and is a better alternative to hard money.

It's a fee based service but you can track the agents' progress online.