There are several ways to check out reputable vendors.  

@Bill Haines  there seems to be a misnomer that hard money lenders   give folks with no money or experience 100% loans.. they simply do not.... at least any that want to stay in business very long.if you want to get into real estate real estate requires equity and capital to work with.. you can either do that by starting a company and bringing in the money partner.. ( this is very common) and you provide the leg work and smarts to hunt the deals down get them turned around etc.but your frankly totally wasting your time if you think you will find a reputable lender to fund you given what you have described about your financial situation.Now Do hard money will do 100% finaincing for newbies.. but they want 2500 to 3000 up front and then a underwriting fee with no promise of funding you... see threads on them.. some have gotten loans from them some have simply paid the 3t o4k and got nothing and lost the money.but even then you need a take out lender and unless you can qualify for a government back loan program your not going find it easy finding any kind of amortized loan.real estate simply is not a no money game.. some pull it off... you can if you find good property that owners will finance...

Your criteria is crucial because it helps an assignor focus on finding the right deals and it prevents us from ruining our reputation with sellers in the market.

Hi there,I am searching for a reputable general contractor in the Houston area (i10 & Barker Cypress) to do mainly cosmetic work to my cousin's house before he sells it.

I hope this experience has not ruined others reputations.  

Have you found a reputable lender that know what products are available?

I recommend talking with others who have bought from reputable companies in the market you are looking in.

I started following a few wholesalers with good reputations, I got to know a reputable hard money lender, I met a General Contractor who only works on investment properties and have a lot riding on their reputation, I have a few REALTORS that I trust to lease properties depending on what area or class, and I do my own numbers.I'm excited to learn all that I'm going to learn, but we shall see how it actually goes.

I would consider a reputable mortgage broker in your area, they will have the broadest access to products, and I think they will be better rates

How easy is it to find a reputable management company and what's the going rate for that?