If it is to be a larger rehab ( like 3 or 4 units) and requires an Architects plans its best to ask the Contractor to bring in their trusted architect rather than adding another player to the mix in my experience.

A lot of my investors I have worked in the past have stopped looking for deals, but the big, big players in our market are still bullish and looking for under market deals. 

This is actually a good thing as you know that in the B and C class areas there won't be more inventory coming online in the near future to compete! 

Do any experienced wholesalers, cash buyers, rehabbers, or really any other players near one of these markets have any advice?

Your cash flow, which should be the reason you buy in the first place (unless you are a very big player), is better known as BTCF - before tax cash flow. 

I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations for a competent, trustworthy handyman or contractor in the area?

Again, plenty of people building off market lead machines to pickup properties below market value, it’s just that when you’re competing with as many people all looking for the same thing in the same space you have to go in knowing what unique thing you are going to bring to the table (cash, leads, connections, etc) that no one else can offer in order to walk away with a performing asset. 

Find a CPA who is competent in these matters before you make an investment, or at least have options and a plan.

If you're talking about institutional non performing firsts, you'll be competing with people who have a huge lead on you.

Also here's a local forum, you can select Omaha in the sub forum to dial it even further and start connecting some local players.