They are simply writing checks with, as noted above, no real recourse in the property.Third, and back to control, if you are in a pref equity position on a value-add property, you are not second position.  

I suspect this is due to either a better sales group, or the risk was simply adjust higher on the ones I went in. 

Simply put, get a real estate license. 

Going into a war zone simply for cash flow is not worth it in any case.

Was it simply experience, or were there particular resources that were helpful to you? 

Generally most people you speak with are going to provide you a quote with their "standard" commission built in and anything less would be them taking a reduced commission to win your business. 

We're most likely looking at multi-family (initially) in lower cost of living regions simply to make it affordable for us to get into the game. 

Investment Info:
Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

Purchase price: $315,000

Cash invested: $80,000

This was my first Airbnb purchase. I used a DCSR loan and I spent around $30,000 ...

Chances are you won't get anything even if you go to small claims court and win. 

Sounds like an internal policy decision that you will never win, regardless of any reasonably prudent measures you take.