Can I pay the contractor I found myself and just let them know the work is being done or is it best to run everything through the manager?

I have 12-doors in Detroit and I don't add the coverage for theft.

It was a trial run to learn the process. 70% of the properties we were interest in bidding on got removed the day of the auction.

And I am also happy to discuss my experience in the area on valuing small/medium multi-family properties, and running short-term rentals in the Phoenix area.

At the end of 3 years, you could have 6-12 doors bringing in money for you plus any appreciation you gain along the way.

They will run you around $200-$300K to build. 

If it’s a combination heat/ac unit that runs on the older Freon and just the ac needs replacing.

I've looked into it, but some of these properties are junk and these Gurus selling these courses or "you can use my guys" feels kinda scammy to me and probably make more in course fees than actual cash flow from their 100s of doors they supposedly have.

If you have any doubt about it being occupied or not you could put a notice at the door and say that its your property and that you will enter on a given date.You probably should provide a phone number so people may  call you. 

Never running away.