If they are then communication is key.  

I even use Skype and TeamViewer to communicate with clients so I'd highly recommend looking for one of the best with great references that interviews well with you.So look for someone you can connect with that works out for your situation.Feel free to ask here if you have questions.

His communication level is awful, and he's more trouble than he's worth.Also, become rather friendly with the bank.  

As much of a broken record as I may sound, I can't stress enough how important it is to take this to accountants & financial planners where you can divulge your entire financial situation & they can layout multiple tax-efficient solutions.

It's the most efficient methods for finding motivated sellers.

Perhaps it makes sense to consider a blanket portfolio loan to efficiently extract what equity I can, then set up a separate line for emergencies.  

What's the best method to acquire rental property using OPM and the most efficient strategy to pay it back?

YMMV, but open communication with tenants usually results in a plan agreeable to all.Note, we do like to have our one-year leases start and end Aug 1, so the first lease we made with the new tenants was just for 10 months.Definitely do not ever use a security deposit for rent payment.

Never allow VA’s to communicate with one another.

A better approach to protect all parties is to put everything in writing and communicate via fax or email.