I agree they had communication issues during a transition period that we dealt with, but things have improved from last year. 

-I'm fairly careful with communication , but again, I know doing business online is way riskier, but I want to ask: Typically, I would trust someone who seems very in-depth, informative (gives statistics and numbers), and basically would give me thorough steps (including worst-case scenarios and what would best fit my situation)^^would people who have experience say that even with the above, some agents/lenders/PMs would still be sort of out to get your money and do a lousy job?

Single lane driveway = not good for MTR in a multifamily because tenants will not want to communicate with the other unit to move their cars.

Just make sure to document everything and keep communication open.

There's really not a cost-effective solution for utility monitoring for SFR, other than Nest.WhatsApp for business communications is lmited - how do you scale and hire someone to handle, while being able to track what they do?

Sending threatening communications is not a good way to start a long term relationship with the people who own the home you live in.

I've communicated with other agents in Nevada that provided me data with median rents, cap rates, how much I would need to put down to get it to "cash flow/break even" with higher interest rates, etc.

Which is to say any attempts beyond the method of communication in the profile are likely to end up convincing the landlord you and your friend would be a pain in the butt as tenants. 

Ideally, I’d love to integrate an AI chatbot into Zillow to streamline communication.

Quote from @Katharina Bormann: I address the importance of clear communication in my book.It's not enough to tell them what is wrong.