How do you get your rent?

[Brian Zaug]

So I have 2 duplexes in a city about a half hour away from where I live.  My lease gives tenants a 4 day grace period to pay the rent.  I always call the day before the first of the month and let them know that i'll be coming to the city to get rent tomorrow (the 1st).  Rarely, they all have it and are actually home to give it to me but most of the time, I have to go get rent from a few of them, then go back a day or two later to get the rest of them.  I don't mind going there once a month to check on the houses but it's becoming more like 2-3 times a month trying to get rent from 4 people. 

My friend/mentor said that he always goes to the houses and collects rent.  I kind of just followed his guidance but what a pain in the rear.  Do you have your tenants mail you the rent?  pay online?  or do you go and get it? 

curious at what the majority does...