It sounds like you're already ahead of the game by having selected your target area. 

One way I check is to just pop on one of the big nationwide HML  Like a lima one or lending home and just see were they lend and if they have their NMLS  and licenses on their site.. its the law to have your license on your business card  website or any advertising.. 

Hello,I am in the process of refinancing two properties (single family homes) and wanted to see if I could save a little $$ by actually choosing my own closing attorney for the transactions rather than the one selected by the loan officer. 

Where are people moving from and where are people moving to.Here is a good Forbes article to read that might help start the market selection: https://www.forbes.com/sites/brendarichardson/2020/01/06/the-states-that-residents-are-leaving-and-the-ones-they-are-moving-to/#406e109a3866

@Mansi MehtaIn our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

.- New kitchen floor: seems like the consensus pick on this are luxury vinyl planks (due to durability and design) and I've seen several mention that Lumber Liquidators offers good selection/pricing.

The neighborhoods you listed all have them but the selection is pretty slim right now. 

Select the area for the investment.

@Ben Rogers look at Lima capital, they are great guys over there.

Mainly focusing on the proper selection seemed key and I never thought to go and view their current home before accepting applicant.