Most of the experienced and also newbies are well aware that getting a great contractor on your team is crucial. 

I would like to hear from others how do you go about finding the diamond in the rough and then keeping them around? 

WORD OF MOUTH.  Talk, ask, beg for local references.  Search using "references for x y z".  When you find one you like, be sure to comment on Yelp, Craig's List.

Thanks for the insight. 

From my experience keeping them busy with your projects has always helped minimizing the turnover. However there are people out there that don't offer volume when it comes to projects. So glad to hear about your other strategic move 

Sterling, 

As other noted, your best bet is getting references and introduce yourself to contractors. I   found a couple of good contractors by "luck" - My luck being keeping  a small notebook and write numbers i see on contractors' trucks when i am driving around. Then i start calling people.  

Another good source would be another investor or friend in the industry. 

Good Luck. Rod

Check with the store/sales manager at the local professional supply house/yard.

Check with the local remodelers/home builders association.

Check with the building inspectors - they may not be able to give you a recommendation, but a properly phrased question may elicit a reply (e.g., which electricians seem to pass their inspections the first time, most of the time?)

Ask a trim carpenter or a drywall hanger for a frame carpenter's recommendation; ask a painter for a drywaller recommendation; ask a frame contractor for foundation installer's recommendation... in short, ask the trade who follows for recommendations for the trade they followed.

They are on BP. Lol.

Has anyone had experience with "Apartment Preparation or Turnover Services".  I found a few listed, although not in my area and was wondering if there was a different better term to search for.