My question is how do we find the right partner whose goals align with ours? 

What I do is, as you sign up into the system, and you become a partner, our goals become aligned.

A GC is generally a project manager that aligns resources, labor and schedule. 

I am always skeptical about calling contractors for these kinds of things because incentives are just not aligned at all. 

If they are not serving you well, find a company that closer aligns with your needs - communication and worthy renewals.

2-4 unit real estate appreciates slower than SFR.Emotions are a component that can drive sales prices up.

In doing this, the holes in the hinge which the pin slides through got out of alignment which I just bent back into position with a wrench (or what I have called: an "adjustable hammer" depending on my level of redneck at that particular moment). 

Realize the importance of aligning with like minded folks in the area...

Even if you want to house hack with an Airbnb component inside your primary residence -- like in a walk-out basement for instance -- many HOAs might prohibit doing that. 

I decided to rent because it aligned with my long-term goals of being financially free.