Your real estate professional will generally be the best source for a reliable closing and I think BP would probably be my next source for a quality lender. 

Most people don't recommend getting started with a flip especially if you don't have reliable people in your network like contractors and an agent. 

Just ensure you factor in the challenges of managing properties remotely or consider a reliable property management solution.Ultimately, your choice should align with your long-term financial goals, risk tolerance, and lifestyle preferences.

I am definitely having a hard time finding a reliable talented contractor.

They're not expensive, they're pretty reliable, and they'll keep your tenants comfortable & happy.

Single-family homes offer reliable rental demand, lower turnover rates, and the ability to benefit from property appreciation over time.

On the other hand, if I do go through insurance, they might find reasons not to pay out, resulting in another zero-dollar claim.Do you have any recommendations for where to find a reliable, trustworthy, transparent, and accurate insurance company or agent?

Effective remote management hinges on strong organization, reliable local contacts, and leveraging technology for efficient communication and oversight. 

When deciding between managing your own property or hiring a professional service, consider these key factors: your available time and expertise, knowledge of local regulations, property scale and location, access to reliable maintenance resources, tenant management capabilities, financial implications, emergency responsiveness, and personal preference for hands-on versus delegated management.

Start with cities with a metro population of >1M if you want long-term, reliable income.