Brian,I ageee completely with what  @Joe Villeneuve said.

Ok so the first house is completedI opted to hire my own people(Laborers)I grabbed my normalGo to guy who I have been using since 2012I made him the foreman We hired two laborers And I had my foreman strategize how to coordinate painting an entire house ceilings and walls  three bedrooms two baths living room dining kitchen and laundry and hallway in two days.My foreman had an appointment on day two so I took over coordinating duties All in all my cost for paint and materials was 350 I scored 5 gallons of oops paint form25.00It was flat white so i used that for closets and laundry roomLabor came to 800Total cost 1,150Far below the 1700 cost I was quoted. 

I would set up appointments for certain things for example a bathroom get different quotes for the whole remodel material and labor as well as labor only from each person, then compare and see whose best.

Cliff notes: Local PIttsburgh individual looking to further invest in RE, residential and commercial - Buy & Hold & FlipsResidential - Currently using FHA for 4 unit purchasePittsburgh - Allegheny and Butler CountyColorado - Denver and Boulder CountyHawaii Commercial - Looking to partner (have capital)Flips - Looking to partner (and can labor)"The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know"Take care everyone,Troy

Joe Lane, I'm interested to know any tips you have as well.

@Joe Facenda I don't have an agent as of yet and I think my situation may be unique.

I've provided money for materials but I never pay for labor before work is completed. 

@Brian Pulaski Yes agree, if you don't factor in labor or new shoe mold and/or base board.

If you are thinking outside Philadelphia County - Consider Education(Schools) and good transportation (Train or Bus)Let me know if you have any questions.Regards,Joe Scorese

We haveaccess to private capital to fund one property at a time, but in order to hire a couple of reliable laborers we need to have the next project ready to go as soon as the previous one is complete.