@Brian Toy there are red flags to look for during all phases of your evaluation.The first phase of your evaluation is to find reputable sponsors to invest with. 

Does anyone have any reccommendations for some reputable fair contractors in the area?

Can anyone recommend a reputable home inspector to conduct the home inspection?

@Cheri Crane You can certainly find reputable HML here on the directory associated with BP: https://www.biggerpockets.com/companies/hard-money

NEVER do that, never...your reputation will bring you more deals than anything else.

Put a web submission form there for anyone interested in knowing more.

If they can't install it they should at least be able to refer you to a reputable vendor who can.

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I have learned to make the description short, spell out phone numbers or web/email addresses, and dont use bullet points, paragraphs or any other post-1970 computer markup.

Go find some neighborhoods you'd feel comfortable investing in then a connect with a reputable property manager to discuss your other concerns (vacancy etc.).