Whether or not that's because its going bad or something else is going to be up to troubleshooting.

Surely a tenant would just do it.The ideal situation you described is how it should work-quick troubleshooting with the tenant over the phone for something that could be as simple as changing a battery. 

It also means I spend A LOT of time researching, troubleshooting, and putting in way more time than needed to get an answer...

I hired a contractor for emergency repairs to my septic system - my rental property, a duplex, is in a remote location 2 hours from Portland, so the contractor suggested coming out to trouble shoot and do the repairs in 2-3 days on a T&M basis in order to get it fixed ASAP.

Agency: I am self manager (and no one has incentive like the owner to fill a unit) so as you might troubleshoot the old question of "agency"... a problem economist point to when others do our bidding.

Your ability to trouble shoot a home you have lived it will far be above some newby property manager that won't know where the breaker box is... for a burnt out bulb.. 

Most plumbers and electricians don't know how to troubleshoot.  

I need a plumber experienced in shower/tub leaks and troubleshooting.  

Depending on your location and what side of the bed the judge woke up on, it's potentially unenforceable.Since all of these things were easily solved, maybe just try walking the tenant through basic troubleshooting over the phone before coming out (did you hold the button down long enough?  

I would also like to inquire with a wholesaler in that area.3. also would like to be of value to anyone needing my professional help while you are going through some tough trouble shooting issues on any construction problems you may be having.