While you have an ear maybe ask if the title co. issues title policies in your county based on the clerks electronic records or if they also go to the clerks office and search for records that are not in the electronic database.

Developing a relationship with these sponsors would be wise, getting their newsletter, etc and keeping up on deals that are in funding stage.  

They said that no electronic equipment allowed, i.e. cameras, cell phones, purses subject to search, etc.

With all of the electronic banking options these days there is no benefit in taking a lump sum payment.

If you do not do it electronically and use hard copies to mail, yes you should keep proof of mailing it on time. 

Finally you might want to look into any of the several websites that allow landlord to collect money electronically that tracks payment history etc.

Most of my tenants just electronically transfer rents anyway.  

Each month either an electronic transfer gets deposited in my account or a check gets mailed from bank-to-bank.

After looking through the forums here are the options I have been considering, and what concerns me about them:1) Electronic - this concerns me because 2 of the tenants are in their 70s and would never be able to figure this out.

.  :-) .In Texas I have registered electronically with the Justice Courts in the counties where I have property and filing an eviction is relatively painless, even more so for squatters.