@Stacey OlsonRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

I've begun cold calling and looking to alternate methods of finding deals, but if anyone has any advice for overcoming this I'd love to connect.

Welcome to the community and be ready for a huge amount of information at your finger tips.

Have you explored any of these options yet?

If you’re leading it to a company be sure to have in your lease explicit information about who is responsible for what in terms of maintenance.

That drive is what sets apart winners in this game. 

Quote from @Marc Shin: @John Underwood those are some great tips! 

Now here is some advice many will disagree with me on but I firmly committed to this:  Most people that use a VA loan shouldn't.  

This goes on until you have final agreement. 

4.Tips to avoid similar issues in the future?