Quote from @Simon Horowitz: I'd love to connect on here with trustworthy contractors that I can bounce ideas off. 

Since I am out of state I rely heavily on trustworthy & knowledgable input.

So making sure you are presenting yourself as credible and trustworthy, can make a huge difference in building the relationship and hearing about those off-market deals. 

Second piece of advice is to have a trust worthy title company that can guide you.

Any tips anyone can share on how to find a reputable and trust-worthy contractor and/or a lawyer who can write up less riskier work contracts?

@Scott Winnie is also a super trustworthy agent and I have worked with him in the past.

However, I have heard and read of many horror stories of landlords working with incompetent property managers who provide no real value.In attempt to avoid this issue, I am doing my due diligence and asking investors for referrals of trustworthy property manager.

Build a local team, including a trustworthy real estate agent, property manager, and inspector, to help you identify and manage deals remotely.

Even when we manage to reach a working voicemail,owners often assume we are just another "we buy land" serviceoffering far below market value.Given thesechallenges, we are eager to learn the most effective strategies for locatingpotential sellers and establishing a professional, trustworthy connection thatencourages serious consideration of our offers.Telephone/voicemail is informal, hence casual, hence “we aren’t putting much effort into this.”

If you’ve worked with trustworthy contractors or subcontractors in the Jackson County/MO area (especially those familiar with investment properties), I’d love your recommendations.