Does anyone know of any reliable GC in that area that could be recommended?

Let the property manager know you want to work on some of the details (hiring contractors, mowing the lawn, etc).Absent, a reliable go between, I probably would not take on a first property where I could not even explain my policies to the tenant.Best of Luck!

I like reliable and communicative lenders, but I hate weeding through the bad ones. 

This will increase reliability, shorten your project timelines (= more $$), and reduce your daily involvement in the projects, etc.

I am still looking for a 3bed/1+ba rowhome east of the river (Deanwood, Congress Heights) though think I will have to increase my budget and try to stay <$220k purchase price with <$40k in reno to get it reliably rentable (looking to buy and hold, not flip).Do folks think this is reasonable in that market or am I fooling myself? 

It’s a bit hard to find good properties, because I don’t know much about the neighborhoods or how to find reliable management companies and handymen (and unlike the UK, neighborhoods in the US are much bigger with much great variation)After doing research Turn Key seems to be the way to go.

I doubt Indio has anything like that but I haven't seen any reliable data.

Some do require some money upfront, they say it's for materials, but in all honesty I usually ask for around 10% up front just to make sure that after I have done some work they don't say something like "we've changed our minds" Though I'm more like your "handyman" and certainly I don't do big jobs like a GC.With respect to making sure they're reliable.

Price, reliability, etc???

Can anyone refer a reliable, real estate investor-friendly agent who can show me around?