He has great communication and does a wonderful job of explaining things- even if you need to hear them a few times :)  I can't recommend him enough.

In WA you can get new construction, but that is far away that I don't expect Seattle/Bellevue tech workers to live there.My boss suggested Pittsburgh (emerging tech hub), my coworker is based out of Atlanta which seems to still have affordable houses and seems to have lots of tech jobs. 

Install switch to operate.

Also, I feel since I am a lady, handyman takes advantage of me by charging more or not doing the job well.

Take a look at Reno, it's is a solid area for rentals because of the limited new construction, tech and manufacturing jobs moving to the area (Tesla, Apple, Switch etc.) along with the lithium loop of mining and recycling to manufacturing batteries and vehicles.  

My wife and I currently have about $120k in W2 income and I plan on keeping my W2 job until I can no longer justify it.

What questions do I ask to make sure they can get the job done without me being physically present for months on end?

It's a difficult job balancing all the different priorities as a PM, so finding one who focuses on your priorities is a must.

He started the job without giving me a contract.

Congratulations on your wife's new job in Jacksonville!