I also think a lot of those sites do a ton of due diligence so they don't get a bad reputation if things fall apart.

Reputation and relationships are two of the most important assets to build over the tenure of your real estate career.

You will want to get multiple bids from reputable general contractors and start there.You will also want to research (before you start!) 

Seems reasonable for you to pay a reputable contractor to make it so. 

I'm new to Bigger Pockets and it seems like Wholesaling has a "sketchy" reputation, but honestly if you hustle you can make some cash and build your education towards real estate in general.

However, I seem to be surrounded by low-reputation people and companies that just want to take 10% (+nickels, +dimes).

HML have a reputation for being flaky as hell, so qualify that referral request with "and did you personally actually close with them?"

We rely on reputation and published materials. 

Attend a meeting or two in Jacksonville to see who the reputable hard money lenders are there, you'll hear the same names over and over.  10k isn't quite enough unless you have a money partner willing to split profits on the back end. 

But how do you balance submitting low-ball offers that will make a property a good deal and maintaining a good reputation around the area without becoming "that guy"??