However, there are areas that needs permits and we have hired a contractor who will be completing those areas along with the individuals he hires.

Ive read the 8 chapter beginners guide, talked to few individuals and watched some videos, and of course the youtube sensations without naming names.  

There are several companies or individuals that do this model in Chicago but they are definitely not all created equal.

As Sean mentioned, it is so important to do the due-diligence, run the numbers, develop and use your network to assist in the process. 

I have limited construction / rehab experience and I'm wondering If I should be hiring a General Contractor to do the work or finding each individual person myself and acting as the GC.How do some of you handle getting the work done?

A friend has a mother that has gone to assisted living.

I've been talking w/ my conventional lender and he said I would have to buy each building individually, which means 5 closing costs instead of 2. 

I am trying to build a network of individuals in the New york, New Jersey tri-state area.

Needless to say I immediately immersed myself in research (really I geeked out for a minute on podcasts and blogs) about real estate and met a like-minded individual with experience to partner with and started doing it myself.

I heard that there are individuals investors who lend out money for purchasing.