You may get some people off the bat who won't want to take on the project.I'd also recommend having a timeline in mind for how quickly you want to get the project done and asking each contractor if they have other trades they have experience working with and like working with. 

It's all about finding the right parking, floor plan, and neighborhood to make it work.

I have plans to upgrade the interior as I’ve heard about the “live and flip” concept from a bigger pockets podcast episode about getting started in real estate.

Take a class on Financial Planning at a local Junior College. 

Would love to discuss 5 year plan I have in mind.

Can you hire friends in the trade?

Columbus is a great choice if you're planning on holding for the long term. 

Not sure, but I'd say it is more of a matter of thorough diligence and future planning, not really about integrity.

I planned to put in money out of pocket towards renovations to force appreciation, get to the 78/22 debt to value, and eliminate PMI.I got quotes from 4 different contractors. 2 didn’t work out, 1 was very expensive, but number 4 was perfect.

i dont plan on watching them just dont want to deal with removing and re installing if ever vacant.