If you anticipate a possible fight, it's best to do things properly from the start.Certified mail in itself is not a panacea, in fact IIRC most of the relevant statutes say first class (i.e., "regular") mail - but it has to be sent under certain timelines.

They're the intermediaries for a reason... they don't record the deed until the funds and all of the documents are properly filled out. 

For me, it's pretty simple - I'll buy a house if it meets my guidelines, the key one is simple: can I make at least $400 mo. net with a proper margin of safety? 

The individual who owns the real estate in their personal name  but understands these key principles is also better prepared to address any claims or conflict if and when they arise than the individual who owns their real estate in an LLC and ignores these important operational functions. 

The likely scenario is that your PM is not very good or lazy and held it because they don't know how to market properly.

I personally own 12-doors in Detroit proper and I'm happy to send folks resources about the market there and/or chat about my experience.

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+, zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680, some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

i say this not to discourage you from investing, but to help set your expectations properly.  

Not specific to Blue Ridge, but in CO I just used Steadily as they were able to cover the brush fire restrictions I found that stopped Proper and others. 

:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.