@Lorenzo Clark, thank you, great idea to connect with local realtors - and yes, my home inspector guy was great, encouraged me to not think I have to make all repairs at once but can prioritize, and told me what needs to be done ASAP/First - I think I could definitely contact him in the future for ideas/referrals and cost estimates.

Also, is this a one time referral fee collected? 

We consider looking for or offering products, properties, services, referrals, recommendations, or loans to be advertising according to our forum rules. 

@Daniel BaradRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

I am paying for that now.I will also do all of the other due diligence prior to investing - experience of the operator, referrals from those in my Community and network who have invested with the operator, responsiveness and other factors - but proof of effective communication will remain a priority for me. 

I will always recommend using someone that comes as a referral from another person that has used that company/person.  

Expireds – These are people that want to sell as is shown by the fact they had listed, but for some reason the property didn’t sell, that’s where we step in Tired Landlords – Landlords who are tired of managing rentals Referrals from Agents – Some agents find properties that aren't ready for prime time and the seller doesn't have the money to fix up the property for the MLS. 

But you can get paid if you are licensed to do real estate activities as a referral. 

I can give you some referrals in Ohio if that is what you are looking for

Does anyone have an attorney referral in Cuyahoga that can help with this?