You must be talking about how to attract motivated sellers that want to sell. 

I couldn’t agree more, we must be grateful everyday for life itself.

Look for a new market, run the current numbers for currently used markets, and rerun the numbers for previously eliminated markets...to see if they are still out of the picture.Situations change, markets change, so you must follow the changes and adjust.

I recently went to visit my niece who lives in the city of Detroit. 

Include in that a visit to see for yourself, and make sure you are working with a property management that has an excellent record.

Should it always be a must to make sure the contractor is licensed, bonded, & Insured? 

To actually increase cash flow you must either reduce expenses or increase rent.  

@Jeneé MurphyIf you are considering hard money then refi in 6 months it must be an amazing deal to pay that high of an interest rate plus fees..Cap Rates vary by location and are usually considered on properties with over I would say 10 units..

If you must get valley contractors to complete the work you will be charged a premium for travel time both to the project and to the building supply store's, which the closest available stores are in Casa Grande...

@Amy YarnallWhile an IRA can be invested in real estate, you must have funds in the IRA to invest in real estate.