What qualities did you show that set you apart and what would you recommend a new investor do to show their worth to someone with capital to invest?

Good qualities/things they do for you?

You're going to get the highest quality leads from the highest quality inputs.

There's a controlled, pre-existing relationship (likely of a sexual character - but I don't know you and I'm not assuming) between the agent selling the property and the inspector who assesses its quality. 

I can help and I am willing to extend a hand up because of the work ethic and quality of their character.

We’re thinking about using a realtor to get the property rented out because we think we’ll be able to get a higher quality tenant.

It may take some time to make quality contacts... its kinda like dating hahaLastly, if you see a lot of renovated properties in your area that are listed by the same agent/company, you can reach out to them and tell them your story.

A quality property manager should carry Errors and Omissions insurance, and that would be the first person I would "go after".

I can write up an invoice right now that says "$3000 - replaced natural gas furnace", but until you fire up the furnace and test the performance and put eyes on the unit to verify it is new, who knows the quality of the work?

Don’t just compare their bid, compare their quality, compare their insurance, compare their proposed schedule... a low bid looks good on paper.