If you can tie your shoes in the dark, you can mig weld.

Being reasonable and stepping in someone else's shoes is the key.   

I like to maximize my happiness and part of that is giving the tenant the impression I like them (which is often the case as most of them are nice enough people) and I'm loyal to them (I know, I know - a rental increase shouldn't be viewed as being disloyal to a tenant but one must put himself/herself in the shoes of the tenant; there's a reason why a rental increase is the #1 reason a tenant moves from a rental). 

Many investors have been in your shoe at the beginning of their journey, so the idea is to figure out how you can start taking action.

The next shoe might be long term US debt. 

I always suggest people learn how to survive in REI on a shoe string budget.

Same shoes here: -lose your car payment and buy a runner for 1k -wholesale a house or two (get your first deal) -Reach out to local investors, network, ask for work -listen to the podcast, all of them, over and over (time permitting)

I've never been in your shoes, but I'd send the PM a letter, professionally describing and documenting all of the issues you've had, ending the contract in writing and respectfully requesting that they return my deposit by x date (make sure it's in line with what your contract says).

Small owners are notorious for being "shoe-box owners" which means when you ask for their financials you get a shoe box full of receipts :-DRealistically, you don't need anything from the owner except the current rent roll.

They interview all types of folks who have been in your shoes too.