I attended the SCEP and RSO classes as I am in LA rent control and this was the rule provided during that class.

Would like to see from experienced rehabbers whether you buy materials yourself versus having the contractor supply them...If your buying,  is it worth the extra effort to control the cost and get exactly what you are envisioning.. 

I'm talking to a guy right now who doesn't want to work with an agent (even after I suggested he does because price is the most important thing to him) and he's pretty adamant about working with investors/wholesalers directly because he feels like he has more control over the situation and since so many are calling him he's able to create a bit of a bidding war for his property.  

Managing tenants, yes but this also means you're giving up control and your manager could promise things to tenants. 

There are joint-ventures that you can accomplish this however it's about everyone playing a role.

You'll also have a lot more control of your time. 

It should give you a good taste of what the business is like, before venturing out on your own.I don't know one thing about company, but had an interesting discussion with one of their franchisees one day and that particular one seemed to be struggling.   

Each of us came into the venture with our personal LLCs.

i couldn't find any agents on BP close to the town, and we live in northern New England so its not exactly a day trip to go see it, although we can fly standby on any airline (a benefit we plan to use to our full advantage in this new venture). so this would be a long-distance investment... i guess i should call some local lenders, property managers and agents to see what they think?

We are in California and yes, we have a pest control company that specializes and guarantees rat eradication.