You certainly do not need a real estate license.This means getting your credit score in order and finding a reputable mortgage broker and realtor that will guide you through the process and buying at a fair price.Do not overcomplicate things in your head or you will still be learning 5 years from now.

How’s their reputation and do you recommend them?

Go for the company with the best reputation, where you can shadow successful agents and/or take part in some sort of training program.

The reason most reputable list companies don't have phone numbers is that they strictly adhere to the Federal Do-Not-Call regulations.

Does anybody know of a reputable company or private lender who might work well?

These offers should be targeted and your agent should have a reputation that their clients can close with no hasles ....Then the inspections and appraisal comes..your agent is there to ensure things are documented and captured as needed...

Unless you are using a reputable contractor/company and the investor will pay them directly by draws.

I have a habit of only talking about vendors I'm working with when things go wrong, and I'm trying to change that. So, here is a recommendation on a countertop contractor I worked with on my latest flip-We used KB Fac...

Reputable Sponsors provide detailed track records of their history.DSTs are 1031 eligible and can work great for people looking to avoid tax on their sale and just want hands off real estate plus the income. 

Then give them over to a highly reputable property manager and let it coast.