I was told by contractors that a home may pass an inspection but once someone is living in it and putting daily stress on the house, things will start to malfunction.

We always send a contractor through to test everything and if broken, give estimates to repair and we can determine then if it is tenant damage and what charges to the security deposit should be.

@Andre Brock My contractor has been bringing me leads.

BRRRR is typically more expensive, requires more people (contractors, etc.), but will allow you to build equity up front & potentially refi should rates decrease.

If the mold is caused by a leaking pipe or water getting in from outside, then you should hire a contractor to stop that intrusion immediately, then dry out the home and remediate the mold at your expense.I also recommend reading and sharing the EPA Mold Guide.

I would walk the property (if you can) with a trusted contractor, but get the opinion from several. 

What we typically see is a contractor trying to act as a bully as most homeowners are push overs.

Any recommendations for contractors in the Atlanta area that preferably work with out-of-state investors?

I have a small residential interior design business serving home builders and residential contractors in Northern VA.

I gained some experience in being a general contractor by managing & working on some renovations on that other house.