Finding good contractors is hard. A contractor can make or break your project. Finding the right contractor can be a long and tedious process, but in the end, it is worth it.

Here are some of the ways we find badass contractors for our real estate investment projects, here at Clark St.

One of the most effective ways to find a good contractor is to ask for referrals from other contractors. My favorite question to ask is "Who do you like to follow?" What I want to know is which carpenter does the plumber or electrician like working with. Who does my stone expert like to follow when installing granite countertops on newly installed (and hopefully level) cabinets.

You should also ask other real estate investors, as well as real estate agents and brokers. Referrals from people you trust are invaluable. They'll also save you a lot of time. Start by asking around in your network for recommendations. You can also look for online reviews on websites like Yelp or Angie's List, as previous clients will often leave feedback on contractors they've worked with in the past.

Driving by a project similar to one of your projects? Swing by the local Dunkin and pick up a Box of Joe. Go back to the site and introduce yourself, coffee in hand.

Tell them you've been driving and saw their truck.  Also mention you've heard good things about them. Give them your card and let them know you have similar projects if they're ever looking for more work. They will remember you, especially if their current boss never buys them coffee.