But it's kind of been one thing after another for the past 3 months and seems like they are having general "Growing pains" and a lack of communication amongst themselves with several new employees.

Not only can you collect rent (w/ no charge to your tenants) it keeps track of your properties, gives you the ability to list them, communicate with your tenants, track payments / leases, store documents, schedule maintenance, etc.

A co-signer has some rights to communication etc but a guarantor is just putting their money and credit on the line to support the applicant.

We hear the other tenants are buying a home and plan to move, which brings up my question.How is best to open up communication with them?

Be sure to keep all records, including his communication by text/email and any online marketing.

I was initially excited because I have an awful tenant who refuses to even communicate with us. 

This will help in developing a Focused communication path and prevent asking/answering the same question twice.A. 

We have tried everything to settle this in a friendly manner, however in the fall the tenant communicated verbal threats numerous times.

But in the near future out town will be rolling out high speed fiber optic communications. 

Hopefully that will show him you are serious and he will communicate with you