The longer you wait, the more likely you're going to give in to repairing it yourself, and unless you get real legal review of your contract, and situation, then you're going to lead to heart ache later.

I wish the transfer of $ was a little quicker but I understand that is a limitation of a ACH debit. 

Does anyone know of a similar service to accept cash or something other than ACH or eChecks for smaller fries like me?  

What I found to be extremely helpful is giving the tenant an incentive or a discount if they do automated ACH bank transfers initiated on the 1st every month.

I have heard that they can be a big head ache in some respects, but I also know that they can generate big bucks as well. 

Spent $1k on bathroom to include new tub, tile to ceiling in tub area, new vanity, medicine cabinet, drywall, lighting.

I don't know what he's using for the ACH transfers but is there something people are familiar with which is less expensive which I could propose to him to reduce these costs of having him send the money directly to me? 

Their marketing is better than anything I could arrange, the email and text reminders are invaluable and direct ACH deposit makes it almost painless if not for the cleaning services required.  

Rent payment method I use is always ACH transfer.

One quick advice; you will need to be sure of the rehab cost to avoid cost overruns and surprises and aches that come with it.