There are online services which rate contractors, but might be bit higher price due to better quality work. 

Should it be through an online website?

If we don’t know the area well, it’s critical that you have someone in your corner that knows the area and can provide you with information that you might not find on line.

They will tell you the spread they charge and the source of the data that you can easily find online.

Here is a great free networking event on the 29th:https://realacquisitions.com/houston-real-estate-investing-summit/and another one on the 23rd:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/coffee-and-contracts-jan-2020edition-host-investopia-online-tickets-88871255317There're meetups pretty much daily - check the Houston forum here on BP:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/756-houston-real-estate-forumas well as local Facebook groups if not already. 

Once you have them it’s amazing how easy it is to find peoples’ number online, a quick Google Search of their name and city almost always does the trick.

I have maybe $25,000 to start making money with.Hi Mike,Pick one way to make money that seems most likely for you to succeed at (knowing yourself), then master that way by learning how to do it (and how NOT to do it) online reading, etc...

I am curious if any of you have recently completed an online course that you feel was a great investment of your time and money (looking for a 12% or higher return here).

So should I wait to network with people until I get back to America in May or June or continue reaching out online but with a more direct plan? 

Does anyone have an online source they purchase from?