It’s not like buying a Federal government bond.  

I am NOT interested in owning any more real estate (retired here man) so I had planned on just paying my 15% long term Capital Gains tax rate and moving on to my "safe money" retirement program of MYGA's / CD's and High yield Savings account / Bonds / some Stocks.

Fully licensed, Insured and bonded.

Get someone who is licensed, bonded, and insured.

I shaved  brushed my teeth.. and I took the Tesla to the do it yourself car was and cleaned it head to tow. 

I work on Wall Street in the mortgage securities business, structuring bonds for single family and LIHTC deals.

My wife and I have invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and ETFs for quite some time, but I'm simply not satisfied with the ROI we've enjoyed, nor do I feel like I'm fully capitalizing on our situation, our drive, or our abilities.I'm still working out the numbers, but our plan is to use zero/little down VA loans to house-hack multi-family rentals (three and four - plexes) each time we move.

This is a great source for note buyers too.Trust companies don't really want RE in a portfolio, they want assets with easily determined market values like stocks and bonds, get to know them as well.Get with a builder, you can buy from them and they can work out a trade on a new home.Military folks need to know the housing referral office, list as a landlord but many can buy.Work with your insurance agents, buy leads if you can, they hit the "you and your family" markets for insurance and their clients can be yours as well, going under the source radar.Attorneys can be a source if you have a good relationship, they can be sources but don't ask for a referral so much as they see liability in suggesting who to deal with.Stock brokers might love to have clients sell rentals and invest with them.Hospital employee bulletin boards, you'll target technicians, admin and support services.

I just pulled teeth to get as much rent as I could out of them and still came up $600 short at the end.

I would check the contractor's credentials (hopefully they are licensed, bonded, and insured) and report problem to the contractor's board, labor & industry, or the equivalent in your area, for guidance.