I think since I haven't done a deal yet I am going to take a much smaller fee because honestly the main thing I want right now is the experience.

i have a 10% off for lows and home depot already for my military discount and i get an additional 5% off at home depot for having a contractor account with them.i also already have connections with just about everyone in the business as far as contractors go, i even have some really awesome contractors have that agree to hourly rates along with others that are by the job.I am mainly asking to see what tricks people use besides the normal ones to ensure I'm not missing out on anything and to make sure i am not stuck in a one lane mind set. its always good to ask others what they do and ensure times are not changing around me.i honestly order a lot of my items online and have them shipped to the house and store them in the garage to have my contractors install them when they get there. i do spend a lot of time at the house waiting for delivery but i use that time to ensure all the work is being done to standard.one thing i have been thinking about lately is hiring some guys from a "ready work" company to do all of my clean ups. but i have yet to do this one and am not sure i fully trust random guys who will accept 10$ a hour to do what ever jobs they can pick up that day...i also have access to realtor direct flooring companies, and a discount painting company due to my va hook up. ill tell you what i have the hardest time finding deals on is cabinets and countertops

Honestly, unless you are hell bent on REI only from day one, I suggest you start looking for a day job in a related industry so you can start learning "on the job" while earning a steady paycheck.  

If they point blank ask a specific question we honestly answer.  

Deals such as you are discussing can range from honest, legit ventures to outright scams.

I would like help finding a good and honest contractor that I currently have an offer one... obviously everyone has to make money

While he did technically violate the terms of the lease, his violations are pretty petty honestly.

Honestly, most of the brokerages that meet this criteria will already have their own property management companies in place.

Honest buyers (there are many) have the attitude that if the numbers are what I'm looking for, then I don't care what you get out of finding the deal.

Welcome @Andrew Tyson Honest Home Inspection, one the most knowledgeable and most thorough inspectors I have found.