It may be that one buyer is known to reliably close, or will reliably work with the seller on their 1031, or numerous other things. 

Just checking in because I’m in the very beginning phase of building my investment portfolio in the Tampa, St Petersburg, Clearwater area...and I need to develop a network of reliable contractors, GMs, plumbers, electricians, tile/flooring guys, etc. who can help with rehabbing my first property. 

In your experience, what are some good reliable brands that I can seek out to install after I close?

I'm not sure where exactly you're looking in Alabama (city, neighborhood, subsection) but at $550 rents/$25-35k properties, I wouldn't expect reliable solid tenants. 99% of the time, when it looks too good to be true, it normally is.

Much cheaper and more reliable to just follow proven methods.

Honesty, efficiency, reliability and quality is what we are obviously looking for :).

@Milena Simsic Finding good and reliable contractors and handyman is more like trials and error.

In exchange for learning while working, I would be willing to do my work first month for free but still guarantee highest possible reliability, accuracy and hard working personality.

Margins are super thin.For all the people saying it’s ok to self manage rentals from out of state: FYI, Nevada state law requires that you have someone reliable within 60 miles of the property, that tenants can call when needed.

Trulia & Zillow are usually pretty reliable and offer immediate or daily email updates and at least Trulia (maybe Zillow too) can also do notifications so you get immediate info on your phone instead of having to keep checking your email.But in a market where things are going UC in 2 hours I’m not sure any of the online services are going to be real-time enough...