As a property manager, I hate to think that this is what it has come to, but property management as an industry has an earned reputation.  

Developer's experience and reputation. 4.

I want to build a reputable brand merging all levels of the profession from Home Improvements and Design to Sales, Property Management.

If it were me (in your shoes) I would probably buy a nice fully finished basement home (you coould afford without any help from tenants) close to hospitals, factories, etc (separate the two) and live in one half and rent out the other half to medical professionals, manufacturing coordinators, and other professionals who may need a year or so lease that will pay well.

I rehabbed each unit adding manufactured hardwood floors, new fixtures, new countertops, new bathrooms, and fresh paint.  

I am a father of three, married and a full time employee of a manufacturing plant in my area.

You'll establish and keep a good reputation that way.Hope that helps!

Except in CA I have never heard of any reputable builder keeping anyone's earnest money.So to recap:  I invested $10K with a risk of losing a maximum of $3K and unlimited upside potential. 

It is a business networking site  there are some general contractors there that should be reputable.

Yes, I know your under a deadline.Ocwen has, in my experience, the dubious reputation as the worst servicer in the U.S. and they are horribly difficult to work with.