The other option is to hire a third party project manager or pay for a larger more reputable contractor.

@Ilan M AliphasI think a lot of the potential for poor custodial experiences (which result in the reviews you've seen) has to do with giving so much control to a third party that may or may not meet your expectations.

If they’re wildly disparate, I’ll add in a third source and take the average (e.g.

On a side note, MLS access can be obtained without a license through third party agents and if you're serious about investing, you should obtain it.

Do you use a third party resource or contact companies directly?

The house effectively only uses a third of the lot, leaving what looks like a vacant lot adjacent to the residence.

As you would expect, the first and third options are the most common.

They often hire a third party management company (at your expense) to perform some of these functions, adding yet another layer of dysfunction and bureaucracy to the mix. 

I would pass, that’s not a lot of rent for that price especially if you need to do work on top of that to get to $800 on third unit.

@Arturo Fuentes it is in your best interest if a neutral third party holds the money.