They were not able to get any references.

Do you check Landlord references?

You say "skip tracing is outdated" but only make a vague reference to "creating your own leads".

Fire marshall should have provided something in writing to you either a list of what needs to be done or reference a code.

We refer folks to bank-type lenders regularly throughout the year when that make more sense for our clients. 

My hope is I can gain their trust as a property manager and eventually be the one they turn to to sell later on or refer for business in the future.

Which software are you referring to? 

This is the BEST $100 you will ever spend, and if you listen to Amanda Han's tax book, you'll know it's also likely a business expense for you to write off :) https://biggerpockets.supercast.com/My perfect way to learn from the BP books is to listen to the audio book through the subscription above, then books that really stand out to me I go old school and get the physical copy so that I can re-read it, take notes in the margins, and put post it notes so key points are easier for me to re-reference in the future.

Furthermore, @Dave Meyer has a YouTube show/podcast on market trends for your reference.

Are you referring to personal losses or other people had losses?