I don't mind doing the work myself (I did it before, just couldn't juggle the travel of the job and the management/showing of apartments etc), so while I'd love to have someone reputable and responsible handle it, until that perfect fit comes, I'll tackle it myself. 

It's too far away from where we live to do it, but I don't seem to be able to find any reputable agencies around the areas where I am looking to buy. 

It is illegal to practice real estate without a license.Unfortunately, because so many people practice wholesaling illegally it gives wholesalers a bad reputation.

Whether you are an investor or contractor your reputation will follow u so treat people well and strive to do quality work. 

She says they are disgruntled employees who quit, which they did because they did not get paid and they did not like the scamming, did not want to ruin their reputation. 

While knob & tube has a bad reputation here in PA it does not disqualify you from lending if it's deemed safe.

Another option is finding a reputable operator in the area of your choice and partnering with him or her. 

As a loan originator it's (fortunately for me) not me being asked to drive all over the world to Kingdom Come showing folks like the below 20 different properties and writing a bunch of lowballs that will get tossed in the trash (tarnishing my local reputation in the process), but I can see where they are coming from.

Baklersfield is one of those places that has a reputation for extreme ups and downs throughout the market cycles.

Then see who people trust, who has a solid reputation, and who you like.