These sites are fighting hard for their reputation (and our investment dollars), and I suspect they will respond. 

My question is, does anyone know of any reputable contractors or architects that I can discuss turning my little shack into an ocean view duplex?

The key here is knowing about their reputation, standards, and service before and after the sale.One of the key benefits of working with the nationwide provider such as our company, is we are completely agnostic when it comes to markets, neighborhoods, providers, inspectors, etc.If you're working directly with a local provider then all they can talk to you about, and sell you, is their own personal inventory. 

It's amazing how many things can go wrong, and how many things even very reputable contractors forget (even if it's in writing).

I am familiar with Lehigh Acres reputation in general, but since the property is actually inside Fort Myers city limits, it and the surrounding gated communities seem to be enjoying greater interest, prices and rents than are typical to Lehigh Acres.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there causing harm to sellers and bruising investor's reputation.

I am also looking for a reputable agent in the Playa Del Carmen area and would like to have a few properties lined up to see for my trip there in December.

An important clarification is that I would want the inspection report provided to me to be from a reputable 3rd party that would not be unduly influenced by the turnkey company that would be hiring them.  

There are some larger companies that have a decent reputation, but they are usually tailored to apartments vs smaller properties.

If I run out the drugs, low lifes and trouble makers and turn around the reputation, in a few years I can get rents to where they should be which would add about $4000 per month in revenue.