If there's one thing you get from this post, let it be this: Real Estate is a people business, and investing in relationships will have an INFINITE return. 

The plan would be to refer the sale to a local agent in Ecuador, while she coordinates all efforts with the family here in the US.What is the best way to source agent in Ecuador without having any previous relationships there?

Your communication and relationship with a property manager is a marriage like commitment.

@Patrick M. yea I agree, the firm I went with exclusively handles these appeals and stated they have relationships with the involved parties.

However, after some time, they needed to sell the house and sold it to me as I had already been living there and had an established relationship.

When one person represents another in court, that is practicing law.Property management companies often have attorneys with whom they have relationships, who can handle evictions for them. 

And a  day time relationship dispute:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?

I am a contractor in the Essex County area and have relationships with a few realtors.  

If that isn't right, what is your current relationship with them?

Another reminder to not take good relationships for granted and why it's so important for buyers and sellers to treat each other right to develop a good relationship.