It would seem that in order to use any of the following methods:
var a = ConnectionManager.GetAllConnectedObjects(member.ObjectId);
var b = member.GetObjectsAtConnectionComponent(node);
var c = member.GetConnectedObjectsAtLayoutNode(node.NodeId);
var d = member.GetConnectedObjectsAtPoint(node.Point);
var e = member.GetConnectedObjectsClosestToPoint(node.Point);
You must have the document open in the Editor. It doesn't have to be the active document just has to be in the DocumentManager. I tried setting HostApplicationServices.WorkingDatabase but still null results. I couldn't get anything back in the ObjectIdCollection any other way. Has anyone found a way to find a connected object without loading the Database into the Editor?