I would try to get to know some of the reputable people in your area.

Consider purchasing your first home from a reputable TK provider and then once your in with them you can buy on your own and still take advantage of their system. 

Vrytas was originally started with this concept in mind, but it takes significant time and resources to build a community of real estate investors and permit them to build a reputation that other investors would trust.  

Make sure if you decide to contract it, spend the money to get a house inspection from a reputable company.

I read one today from what I considered a reputable source that the value at the time it was put into service was only used if the property was sold at a loss. 

I get that, but I’m at a loss as to how to find GC’s who have a good reputation without asking people for recommendations.

Lynn is a former mill town that has a reputation of not a desirable city in which to live.  

There are many approaches here, but keep in mind that you need to understand the motivation and the reputation of an individual that agrees to be your mentor.

Is this a reputable lender?

Keller Williams has a highly reputable training program.I am not an agent @Willie Smith and @Jordas Reyes, but I can tell you a few things I have observed as a lender.Expect to be poor for about a year, in terms of income from being an agent.