Communication 3.  

Everything from the what you expect the finished job to look like, how you want to communicate, payment schedules, everything you expect and put in on paper allong with a scope of work you want to be done.

But hear is what I would say:Somebody that listens to your needs and knows how to communicate with you effectively. 

Next month, rent was a few days late, utility still not paid, and the tenant wasn't communicating with me.

I learned a lot about scope of work, communication, and expectations......

.* Structural Engineer to assess the damage* Make sure you communicate with the city, to learn of their requirements. * Contractors* Broker/Agent to help you with compsJohn

you could do a lease option, or  a delayed settlement with right of possession you could give the seller a skinning contract subject n an auction, you keep the overage juicemaybe offer to buy the mortgage at a discountyou could do a management agreement with purchase optiona simple "wrap mortgage" would workpossible create an LLC for seller with one asset, buy the LLCif you take property "subject to", make sure you have the deed signed and held in escrowhave a management agreement signed, so the lender can be notified to communicate with you in all matters related to the property and mortgage  - this will help to prevent due on sale clausehave a written "meeting of the minds statement between all parties to the transactionmake full disclosuremake sure your assignment clause is in orderget a title searchvideo property before possessionmake all mortgage payment on timeif there is some equity you could put together a partnership to rise some cashcanvas all other owners on the street for more deals, record the deed and get a new mortgage (but always ask first for a pay-off discount before closinggood luck 

Should I be in communication with her?

Which rental property management companies would you recommend as trustworthy and easy to work with/communicate with? 

Good communication skill is super important for a PM since he's like the bridge to all kinds of people.