For that tenant, only used it for rent collection. 

Generally, grouping allows you to count all your hours collectively toward the 500-hour threshold, simplifying the qualification process for multiple properties.

For collections in Southern California, try Sutton Law Center or California Judgment Enforcement.

If either of them were to stay involved, it could cost you money and you would collect less.Send it to collections yourself.

Only one bank account needed, but you'd have to track income & expenses to do transfer and year-end accounting.As @Nathan Gesner mentioned, not really worth it.You two could also open a joint bank account for collecting rent and pay expenses, just be sure to track everything.Do NOT do what @Paul De Luca stated about transferring title!

The collections agency we use currently says that without an application they can't do anything.

Where are the best places or best ways to collect data on specific markets?

First things first, when assessing property managers, it is crucial to prioritize their ability to collect rent and manage delinquencies.

Also given the fact that its darn near impossible to get any kind of civil judgement executed and collected on in Portugal. 

@Kevin Lorick are you getting a monthly Owner Statement showing how much they collected and what was deducted?