We live in San Francisco, CA and we both work in the trades and have a couple of connections with trades people in Shasta. 

I would suggest talking to other people flipping properties in the area and ask them for recommendations on investor friendly contractors. 

I think some people sell their judgements to collection companies for a very small amount but I have never done that. 

@Dakota Mivshek From my recollection I think mostly I was dealing with the secretary of the company or some assistant and these people are all unlicensed, unprofessional, basically don't have any concept of how to structure contracts or even withdraw from a contract unfortunately.  

Any kind of remote work would be an option: Virtual assisting, social media management, website design, etc.

It's highly likely the people that came out were simple tree cutting services, not educated arborists (who gets 3 estimates in an emergency?)

I have been able to assist them with local builder contacts, local property management, and also helped with securing wildlife permits if applicable.

Both construction and eventual casino I would imagine bring more people to the area. 

Yes some people here show boat and preach...

I guess if I were doing regular unfurnished rentals, I might go with a gray as people are recommending- more trendy than beige now.