Is this not something title companies can typically wrap into closing due to the length of time it takes to complete?

I'm looking for a reliable, reasonably priced contractor(s) in most areas, you know your typical electrical, plumbing, HVAC, interior finishes, etc.Any recommendations are welcome as I'm looking to overhaul my contractor contact list as I move on to my next investment.

These are typically C class buildings that need to handle some abuse.

You mention that he's hard to get in touch with.This might become very important halfway or more typically 3/4 of the way into the job, when the handyman decides it's time to drop off the earth for three months.You can also expect that the handyman will want to be paid proportionately or ahead of time as he completes work.

@Justin Yurong  You mentioned you're near the end of escrow, but typically inspection is usually the first contingency released. 

Chris Turner Realtor said “typically the buyer pays for the appraisal but she did it as a courtesy” and said she would show it to me if I get the property under contract.

Which REI groups / events do you typically participate in?

Higher returns typically come with higher risks.  12% on a rental property will probably be in lower quality neighborhoods, like B- or C, and most savvy investors will sharpen their stick enough to start poking holes in how that 12% shakes out.  

This will put me at approx 26k for normal financing.So I asked him why is the closing cost so high and he responded:Bank fees are approximately three to $4000, transfer tax is 1% of the sales price, and title insurance is typically 1% of the sales price.Does this sound fair?

@Ivan Barratt Curious why 65% instead of the typical 70% rule commonly discussed here?