Depending on just how much available time you have for this business, I'd put at least some time into researching the various metro markets of course, but at some point I'd then take that list of acceptable areas and move on to whatever you need to do to make sure that you're running your business as smart and efficiently as you possibly can.PS-Ironically, with this extra attention that my area has been getting here on BP recently, I just thought I'd throw in that if by hard work and/or some luck, I'm able to hit a real "home run" or multiple home runs if necessary and I was then able to move anywhere and be able to afford a nice home in any metro area, I'd be moving somewhere near to where you are now!

If a landlord doesn't have the courtesy to respond to my call, what does that say about their communication style?  

I'm very good at marketing and very good with communicating with people to get them in (I work as a CRM) so I feel this will be very beneficial but I am stuck where to go next.

Like how to even get in contact with the absentee owner (I know of mail but I'm a good communicator and rather deal with these folk the route of calling them) by phone and then the whole evaluating the deal (good deal or bad deal or ARV).

If so, the OP really shouldn't be in communication with his borrower directly.

Of course, nobody starts out with reviews, so there is a point at which someone must rely on other factors, such as communication, etc.

If the place was flooded, that needs to be disclosed by you and the agent.Maybe the old agent is expecting to get hammered on the flood matter and just running away from the issue, not the way to address it, sometimes a broker will say stop communicating with this guy, that could be where you are while they wait for notice of a suit.

But, in an efficient market, it generally works out that the value (monetary or non-monetary) of the goods or services being provided is equivalent to the value (monetary or non-monetary) of the payment.

@Wayne Woodson I believe it was a lack of communication within the whole organization but they also just got the contract on the property in the last couple of days so that could have something to do with it.

They don't seem like they play nice or communicate well.