I like the idea of staying local first. to expand out of state is difficult and you must have a competent and trustworthy team in place which is not easy. 

We have clients who use Rentec Direct and they are happy with it. - Good move.

Why is getting building permits so difficult here? 

*this post does not create an attorney client or cpa client relationship.

But, if audited, it will be very difficult to defend.The correct procedure is to get the contractor's SSN (have him complete Form W9 and verify against his SS card) and warn him that he will have to pay taxes on everything he was paid in 2018, including cash already paid to him.

And make sure that you never hire a company without interviewing multiple clients who already use them so you have an idea of what you're getting. 

That makes it difficult to do any analysis until you see the house.

I ask contractors for 3 recent clients for me to interview.

@Daniel Jewell you are right, that area is difficult to find good deals in.

Getting started as an agent I have zero contacts and zero experience, considering, I'm willing to exploit unconventional methods of finding clients as a way to enter this career field.