Good afternooon: I'm new on Trulia, hence the delay in responding to your quieries. As Brad has indicated, now is not the time to enter into the contracting business. Most, if not all are experiencing a rough time, with quite a number of the local area developers going bankrupt.
That being said, now is a great ime to buy (as it is in most areas of the country).
The greater Prescott/Prescott Valley area have quite a number of bank owned properties, not as many in the rural areas as in the town proper areas.
Yavapai Community College gets high marks for its programs.
The quality of life is excelelnt, one of the main reasons that we moved here over 11 years ago. It isn't the cheapest place to live, but prices aren't outrageous..
If you email us with criteria for properties that you are seeking, we can establish an automatic search where you would receive a daily update (that is, if there are newly available properties that meet your criteria). There aren't many "rent to own" as most sellers are looking to sell and use any equity that they may have to purchase where they may be relocating to.
Visit our web site at: http://www.prescottlistings.com
Please let us know if you require additional information.
Sincerely,
Charlie Musarra & Kathy Renken, Realtors
Keller Williams Check Realty

You’re not going to like what I have to say. If you plan on building or remodeling homes in Prescott to make a living you might talk to the local County Building Dept 928-771-3597 ask how many permits are pulled.
http://www.ycca.org/ is the Contractors association. Don't ask about membership ask about membership decrease or dues decrease.
I am a Native of Prescott and have clients and friends that have well established construction businesses and they are all either struggling or doing something else for a few years.
No offence, part of an agent’s job is to tell it as it is.
Prescott is an awesome place to live and it is a great time to purchase property but here like everywhere in the USA construction is way down. Let me know if you want a candid discussion on this topic.
I am happy to help,
Brad
928-533-1633

Bill,

To start to investigate rentals in the area here is some info to check out.
There are Three main rental/property management companies in town. I have personally had good experiences with both RAM and TNT but I have never used Pierce myself. There are also many rentals posted on the MLS by various real estate brokers.

RAM http://www.ram-enterprises .com
812 W Gurley St
Prescott, AZ 86305
(928) 778-5181

TNT http://www.tntprescott.com
402 White Spar Rd
Prescott, AZ 86303
(928) 445-8000

PIERCE Property Management http://www.ppmprescott.com
550 S Montezuma St # C, Prescott -
(928) 445-8750

The Daily Courier (local paper) also has private individuals in their classifieds renting all the while.
http://www.dcourier.com/index.asp

I personally would also search craigslist.com Prescott, AZ.

I would be happy to email you a list of rentals, rent to own options or fixer uppers off the MLS - just email me at myarnes@realtyexecutives.com.

In terms of contractors. It is the legitimate and experienced ones who are still doing business. I hear many of them discuss being slow but based on what comparison? Can they personally afford to put food on the table absolutely. Can they afford all of the luxuries of a few years ago - probably not. I personally believe that those who ride out this market and focus on client satisfaction will be those who establish lifetime careers here rather than boom and bust businesses. Both incomes in my household come from real estate and we have no trouble paying the bills. There is still plenty of work for those who are motivated and really care.

Yavapai College is the local community college and is a fantastic school. www2.yc.edu The campus is centrally located in Prescott.

As far as quality of life, I love living here and really don't find it to be any more expense as compared to my past lives.

Let me know if you have other questions and I will do my best to answer them. I hope this helps.

Sincerely,
Michael Yarnes

928-533-6859