Many mistakes on my part plus a bad contractor).

I am working with a General Contractor to determine if we can find a way to partner up in hopes to make project numbers work. 

I have enough for a down-payment or 2 for potential properties and have a partial team ready.In Connecticut before I moved to CA I was a plumber for my step-father who ran a plumbing company of his own, So I have a full team of contractors that I could use for any work my properties needed. 

My dad works in construction as a general contractor and I have been working for him for the past few summers.

I know asking for a good contractor is like asking for someones first born, but I really need some help.

We purchased a single family home last year in Abilene, Texas (small town) and had a lot of problems with the builders and sub-contractors.

Maybe meet a contractor who is also an investor.

Any one know a trust worthy contractor in kansas city missouri?

Is there a source for the following data;  I am looking for the "norm" for the expense ratio (based on either GPR or Gross Income) for individually metered garden style apartments in the south east and the mid Atlantic (Region IV) : Marketing Insurance Janitorial Service Lawn/Snow Licenses Miscellaneous Professional Fees Accounting Legal Property Management Fees Repairs and Maintenance Resident Superintendent Salaries and Wages Supplies Taxes Real Estate Personal Property Payroll Other Trash Removal Utilities Electricity Fuel Oil Gas Sewer and Water Telephone Other (whatever I missed)

Contractors are busy and  in short supply and prices are up .