While I build a reputation for rehabbing I intend on acquiring a few investors to expand my rehab projects even further.  

Have the work inspected by a reputable licenced general contractor or Home Inspector ASAP.

I know a couple of reputable builders NYC.I can refer you to them if you like they can inspect the work that was done, let you know what you estimated cost to complete will be.  

For an individual with limited capital, experience and reputation to be able to "tie up" one of these notes at a low enough price to be able to find a buyer at a higher price would take so many offers and hours that the return would be about the same a for a multi level marketing program, I.e. something south of minmium hourly wage.  

Make sure when you are trying to find renters that you set up a screening process, a high quality tenant means timely payments, better upkeep of property, longer term which equals less turnover.If you are looking out of state make sure you find a reputable and licensed property manager with boots on the ground.

Additionally, I would like to improve the block by somehow purchasing properties near the school, rehabbing them, and filling them with reputable family-oriented tenants that would serve as a deterrent to any possible gang activity in the future.

Have a potential HUD property in Lancaster SC and would like to find a reputable contractor to help me evaluate the repair value of the house. 

I can't afford to just go to the most reputable/priciest guys yet. 

Unfortunately gang ,there are "cocky and arrogant" individuals in any ,practice,trade,endeavor or profession.Plumbers with a disagreeble arrogant and surly nature do not last long where I come from.It is highly competitive here in So Cal.You gotta be a "Superstar".Having said that,,,there is also a Code of Honor amongst tradesmen in any town or city.We all know who the good guys and the bad guys are.The bad guys are "disowned" and get put on the blacklist,,,they do not get referals or reccomdations from reputable contractors.We also watch them very carefully and inform our friends at the supply house,,,,do not give these guys credit,do not recomend them,,,they are trouble.We know "The Good,The Bad and the Ugly".But get this,,,good guys tend to hang together and refer each other.They also tend to join credible contractors associations like the PHCC Plumbing Heating and Cooling Contractors Association.Heres a tip ;if you are fortunate enough to identify and hire a good licensed plumber,he will usually know and be able to recommend a good electrician,HVAC man,carpenter,tile setter,painter,concrete and masonry contractor,locksmith,roofer,landscaper,,,you get the picture,,,,Oh Yeah about that business of "plumbers savings lives".Well,,,That is a true statement,,,,that fact is,,,"Plumbers have saved more lives than Doctors,,,,"An old American Standard slogan was "Plumbers Protect the Health of the Nation",,Well,,,Its kinda corny guys but it's TRUE,,,,Why ?

Obviously to make this happen, I need a great agent, a sharp inspector and a reputable and honest property manager.