Since l had to increase rent for a tenant, l first talked about it via phone and text message (it’s very difficult to communicate with them via email), then signed the new lease.

Most people like to see who they are communicating with on this site.  

I started communicating with them via text messages (they don’t seem to read emails) 4 months in advance about the rent increase and they assured the increase was fine and they wanted to stay.

Communication by all parties is key. 

Take photos of all damages, keep copies of all incident reports and communication records with your tenants, fire department, and insurance company.I would strongly consider working with a reputable public adjuster, especially for a claim of this size.

Through face-to-face interactions, you can establish trust, convey authenticity and leave a lasting impression that transcends digital communication. 

Have you communicated your buy box clearly and the areas you would like to invest? 

Not looking for a direct referral or recommendation but open a line of communication so I can express my interest and how I could contribute to their company. 

So, I'll for sure adjust how I communicate in future to avoid that disconnect. 

Even when I hear stories about investors that scale quickly, take on max leverage, partner up, etc. and get 28 doors in 2 years, it's either a situation where all details and context are not communicated (rich parents - for example) or it was a "just because something worked does not mean that it was a good idea" situation.You win the investing and real estate game by never being a forced buyer or forced seller and letting the compounding effect of time take over.