They have worked with these people, know their skill level and reliability, and they have an interest in maintaining a long term relationship with them as well as you.

The preceding sentence shall not apply to—50(b)(2)(A) Nonlodging commercial facilities which are available to persons not using the lodging facilities on the same basis as they are available to persons using the lodging facilities;50(b)(2)(B) Property used by a hotel or motel in connection with the trade or business of furnishing lodging where the predominant portion of the accommodations is used by transients;50(b)(2)(C) A certified historic structure to the extent of that portion of the basis which is attributable to qualified rehabilitation expenditures; and50(b)(2)(D) Any energy property.I would take the position that hotel-like activity is a sub-set of lodging under Sec 50(b). 

Treat your team well; be reliable, and predictable.

If you google energy audit / insulation you will get some nice results showing ways you can find stuff. 

It takes time and energy. 

So If i put 30% down on a rental I am going to obviously cash flow more, and get more $ of the payment going to equity in my home.In my current career I make enough where it would make more sense for me to focus more time and energy in making more income at work, than hunting non-stop at this time for a 25% down rental.All that being said, I am happy paying 30% down to get a rental that will cashflow more.

Or is this something you don't really want to deal with and you're brushing it aside as inconsequential when, really, getting work like this done reliably, correctly, and quickly is one of the main issues in dealing with rental properties?

.), what the general cost would look like, how is maintenance, how is it re: energy, etc.?

Connecting with others who are in that market is your best bet, and you may even form a reliable relationship or two to build on. 

Finding reliable comps has been difficult, as most of these sales are not marketed.