Makes sense Zachary, my concern is finding housing market/property appreciation estimates that are reliable enough (I understand nothing is perfect).

Short term goals: Accumulate 200k in cash ASAP Long term goal: 15k cash flow Numbers:-Bought in October 2020; VA loan; 2.75% (2.94% APR); $6.5k in closing cost -Purchase Price: $685k; after funding fee total loan: $701k; currently outstanding loan: $679k-Since then, increased total rent from $4,200 to $5,160-Operating expense: $1,650 (using $200 for routine repairs/maintenance cost)-NOI: $3,312 (using 4% for vacancy)-Mortgage (P+I): $2,861; Total mortgage payment: $3,505-Total monthly expenses: $4,967 (using 5% for cap ex…which is conservative as opposed to 10%)-Monthly cash flow: $193-Annual cash flow: $2,313Reasons to hold: -It is a stable, generally stress-free property. 3 of 4 units have been great long term tenants-Low interest rate at 2.75%-It is in a reliable area that will steadily appreciate  -I don’t necessarily need the capital right now.

Don't be offended by the ones that won't do it.Eventually, after you have worked with a contractor who knows you and that you are reliable, they will do this every time.

Network with other investors and find recommendations for reliable contractors.

I suspect that the prices for housing in this valley were too ridiculous for them...Anyway, I would appreciate any advice on how to choose a reliable agent to work with on this process...

Buying a multi family in Newark and looking for reliable contractors to give me some quotes. 

2) any recommendation about established and reliable agencies, offering property management services?

Looking for a reliable home inspector with reasonable pricing.

You do the best you can with what you have available to you: deal calculators (BP has one, there are other sites too), finding a reliable agent to checkout the house/neighborhood etc.

I'm looking for a reliable contractor in the Dayton OH area.