Am I delusional to think that I can change the game a little in the area and really attract the best tenants and build a good reputation.

There are certainly some predator HML's out there, but there are plenty of reputable ones as well.  

Looking for a reputable GC for a small cosmetic rehab on a rental property in Katy, TX (west Houston). 

If I was required to put a much larger deposit than that up though I would also do as OP said and only send that to a reputable Closing Attorney I would not send it to the broker..

One of the best selling points a property manager gave me when I was interviewing new ones was that his name would be on the sign out front and his reputation on the line so he would not take on properties if the owner was not willing to property maintain them.

Some towns like Tenafly, Old Tappan, Ridgewood etc might be too expensive for someone to buy in, but will rent instead due to the high reputation of the school systems.It is difficult to find a single family home that will cash flow.

However, they have an excellent reputation.

No better way to ruin your reputation as a wholesaler than to try and pull that crap. 

Are there any reputable workshops that teach newbies like me that don't pressure me to tap into my 401k to finance the mentoring?

It is, obviously, not doing anything for it's owner other than costing money and (I would think) damaging the broker's reputation for it being his property and in that sad of condition.