My opinion is ultimately the PM company should be held liable to make sure this vendor gets paid.The PM agreement states: (21) hire contractors to repair, maintain, redecorate, or alter the Property provided that Broker does not expend more than $ for any single repair, maintenance item, redecoration, or alteration without Owner’s consent; Leasing & Management Agreement concerning: (TAR-2201) 6-1-10 Initialed for Identification by: Broker/Associate and Owner , Page 3 of 11 (22) hire contractors to make emergency repairs to the Property without regard to the expense limitation in Paragraph 4A(21) that Broker determines are necessary to protect the Property or the health or safety of an ordinary tenant;3) Should/Could the vendor file a mechanics lien at this point?

To set a checking and savings. 2.

You will save a lot.

Save up more (not just the down payment) and pay cash for properties? 

I also don't think I have enough cash saved to do a renovation.

Read the  Ultimate Beginner's Guide and then How to Invest In Real Estate. 

If not, what should I plan for as far as saving up?

Cleveland is very different from Australia which I assume you have already noticed. 1st thing you should do is get a lay of the land around here by checking out The Ultimate Guide to Grading Cleveland Neighborhoods.

I had no money saved and an opportunity to purchase a house on land that had been in my wife’s family for more than 5 generations.

It might cost you a little but it could save you a bundle down the road.