Building strong relationships can lead to repeat business and introductions to new potential buyers.Understand Your Buyers’ Criteria: Make sure you know what types of deals your buyers are looking for, including property types, price ranges, and preferred locations.

I am not a realtor but this is a much healthier relationship. 

the relationships your looking for are out there.

Establishing relationships with local real estate agents who specialize in investment properties can be incredibly beneficial.

Built a relationship with him, he showed me his property around town.

Research or get referrals for RE brokers or wholesalers you specialize in off market deals and develop a relationship with them. 

We've primarily been focusing on building relationships with brokers, bankers, etc. but I feel like we need to take additional action and dive into the direct-to-seller realm. 

PMs do handle this, but speaking as a PM, if this is your only issue, just get a good handyman or lawn person and build a relationship with them.

Simple- exellent relationships with reliable and honest contractors.

Taking a day and getting a few estimates is really the best way to understand if management is way too high or just reasonably high, and you just may find some great contractor relationships that save you $$$$ for years.