Your PM is not communicating, and this is a legitimate concern.

I just started as a real estate agent and I am looking to build connections with investors.

Regardless of the type of lender you work with, building a trusting relationship is crucial.

You definitely can't just buy a building low down, do no work to it and keep old rents and expect to profit. 

I'm just beginning but am considering a bigger commitment in the next five years or so by accessing some or even all retirement funds to buy a building (I'm sure people have thoughts on whether or not that is a good idea!).

Hoping for $325,000 for the build (budgeting for $400,000 with overages).

I've built relationships with property managers who have distressed properties in their portfolios that can communicate directly to owners. 

I have some other questions for you to build context if so.

That said, don’t underestimate the power of building relationships before you pitch a deal.

But by building a successful short term rental business on someone else’s property aren’t you giving away the increase in value of the property resulting from your efforts to the property owner?