My only complaint is communication, it can be difficult to get answers from office staff.

From contribution to getting communications and distributions. 

Most of the reason that crypto gains value is hype and emotion.

It gives him experience in public speaking, forming your own opinion and communicating with authority.

After receiving these funds, he and his partner has completely disappeared, leaving us with no communication or updates for over 2.5 years.

What matters more is whether the borrower in question has the (i) time, (ii) contacts, (iii) experience, and (iv) ability to effectively communicate & package their loan request to banks & credit unions in a way that is compelling to those lenders. 

So you need some tangible experience + very quality deal + communication skills to present to the investors.

In 13 years of owning the townhouse I have never had any communication from the HOA board and no notifications re any annual meetings.

Overall, it sounds like this whole thing stemmed from a communication or integrity issue that occurred at the loan officer level.

Don't make emotional decisions because you are "in love" with the property