Do a search here on BP for "Rich Dad" or any other type of training you may consider...What you'll likely find is that there are a lot of high-priced, national training organizations out there that have VERY poor reputations.  

Unlike a regular homebuyer, who may have difficulties, your failure in a deal would put you out of business, your livelihood is on the line, you're not about to get a bad reputation over some home purchase!   

Change the area through neighborhood programs, change the reputation of the area, get rid of external issues that keep your rent rates depressed, but all of this take time.

@Ben Leybovich Wait, so, Vinny The Knee Surgeon isn't a reputable lender?

Should I go ahead and find a reputable GC?

You should never be deceptive in your dealings because reputations do follow you.

Have your considered investing with a reputable turnkey provider outside your local market?

Find a reputable appraiser and ask them to do an arv and appraisal (your lender will require it anyway, you can ask that they pick the appraiser and you will prepay for it) in order to make sure its actually a good deal and firm up your arv numbers

DOes anyone know of a reputable modular home builder that works in North Carolina.Thanks for the advice,Elle 

One option for you might be to use a reputable turnkey provider in a market you're interested in because you could learn the process while remaining fairly hands off.I would definitely buy locally if I'm moved somewhere the numbers work down the road, but until then I'm happy buying where they do!