Once you're able to communicate with the property owners, the servicer on the note can contact the note holder to see if anything can be worked out. 

Your agent should clearly be communicating more, but he is a much better resource.

In our first discussion he communicated that he prefer to pay us a "finders fee" instead of wholesale.

Not sure specifically what they classify as cloth wiring, my realtor has done the majority of Communication to the insurance.

We are out of state investors (originally from MN) and need a company that is trustworthy, reliable, communicates well and is detail orientated. 

Your property manager is your employee (or company you are a customer of), make it clear that they are not fulfilling their obligations to communicate and forward you the deposits.  

The key is to have open and honest communication from the start.

I even use Skype and TeamViewer to communicate with clients so I'd highly recommend looking for one of the best with great references that interviews well with you.So look for someone you can connect with that works out for your situation.Feel free to ask here if you have questions

How open and honest is the communication between them?

ArdoIt seems you might have a line of communication with the squatter.