If you're creative you can do it yourself, or there may be a signage companies in your area you can get some bids from if you know what you want.

It is a bit of a gamble, but personally, I always get my own bids from people I will hire and either take a credit on price or have title issue the checks directly to those contractors to get work done as soon as I close.  

I said you and everybody moved and you get the money.Meanwhile, I went to get permits and bid for major renovations. 

They should give you a line-by-line priced bid with supporting pics/video.

Find one of those in a desirable elementary district and you’ll be ok (but also face competition in the bids).  

Absolutely get a bid to sand and refinish.

In then end the cheapest bid may end up being the most expensive.   

The recent crazy with multiple bids and appraisal guarantees has exacerbated the problem.

You would have to wait for one of those events to happen, then jump in with the masses to fight for the winning bid. 

To obtain real-world experience in real estate investment, start by examining homes, researching the market, and putting bids together.Remain Tenacious: Investing in real estate calls for perseverance, forbearance, and fortitude.