I think you are on the right track, but it's going to take more networking and talking to more people about what you want to do.

Aside from that, talk to your significant other about his recent experience and how he went about the deal

I talk about this topic on my podcast show which you can find on my website.

Look at your purchase price rental ratios and talk with other investors in the area. 

What you're talking about is a short sale.  

Talk to the BROKER, particularly since the agent is new.  

Talk to the brokers that sell the size of property you are looking to find a manager for.

For those who don't an idea what I'm talking about when I say Realist, what way do you use to figure out equity in a property?

Stories: 2Year Built: 1984Lot Size: 6.14 ACAPN / Parcel ID: 3-29-00-058.02Last Verified: 3/18/2016 Highlights Over $250,000 Invested in Capital Improvements in the Past 24 MonthsSeveral Units Completely Rehabed with several HVAC/Appliances replacedUpside through Rent Increase to market rate, Improved Management & adding new unitsWell below Replacement CostCash on Cash Return : 25.31% (I do not know how they are getting this number)Internal Rate of Return (IRR) : 23.22% (I also don't know how they got this number)DescriptionValue add opportunity for a new owner. 36-unit, garden-style apartment community built in 1984, the property contains 5 two-story and 1 one-story buildings encompassing wood exteriors and pitched roofs.

Also if you talk to them they have some plumbing and electrical guys that they know that can even work with you if you want or give you rough estimates.