This is a property manager outside of Vrbo. I paid the rental fee and followed the other procedures, including a large deposit and copies of the travel documents of all travelers' (passport and payment card (I had to ask to black out important numbers, etc.)). Looking at it after the experience, I should have known that was a red flag. I've learned that payments outside of the platform are really hard to get refunded (more on that below).
Then I never received the check-in instructions. I messaged at time of check-in. When no response, I called. The number listed for the owner/manager said it was not connected.
We went to the location given after booking, as we searched for the location, we discovered that the address was actually a Starbucks in London. (I learned to google the address as soon as I receive it.) We waited for 2+ hours waiting and trying to get in touch while at a nearby restaurant. We never heard from the owner/manager.
I called Vrbo and they were also unable to contact the owner/manager. Luckily, Vrbo took care of me and my family. They found us an emergency hotel and are covering the difference between my original booking and the last minute one that we had to make. I'm much happier with their procedures now!
The owner replied the next day and claimed to have sent the email. They are saying I was a no-show. I was there. They did not show. They will not refund, so now I am trying to get the money back from my credit card company.