@Chloe Philipp I'd start with those word of mouth referrals if you only want to serve good contractors, while it may sound counter-intuitive making this business more exclusive may actually be beneficial in the long run as you'll get a better reputation. 

Now if you had a property manager or hired a reputable plumbing company to work on the furnace they won't be able to pierce the veil.  

I'd like to know if one school stands out in the industry for its network with brokers, reputation, value-for-money, etc.I'm looking forward to hearing back from fellow New York / Tri-State area members! 

Why not look to a reputable turnkey company in Detroit, right across the bridge from where you are? 

Is there a reputable website where I can get it into MLS for a flat feee that way I don’t have to go and search for a broker?

Other than that I was able to learn a lot of lessons about trusting people and rebuilding a reputation with my buyers, the biggest lesson was that all good things take time.

Can this property management company help you when you keep expanding your portfolio, what's their overall reputation, do they manage a lot of MFH in your size range.4-5% range is reasonable for this size. 

@Chris Lubrano consistent with the comments above All Risks is a reputable Excess and Surplus Lines broker.

They will refer you to their hard money lender and if all goes well, that lender will pay them a referral fee and you get a reputable lender. 

For those afraid of needlessly spending more money than they have to; consider getting a basic inspection, and then ask the inspector whether they feel there is any value in deeper inspections or not.Choose a reputable, unbiased inspector.