So I wouldn't trust a bid from a Contractor unless you pay them, the other guys will just mail it in.

This may have no effect on you at all because the servicer (the company you mail checks to) may remain unchanged.

The mortgage company should be mailing an escrow report every year.

But w/ SEO it's a bit different... because w/ PPC or direct mail you can get a result faster... w/ SEO it may take 6-12 months to get consistent leads from SEO... but once you get the high ranking you'll have leads coming in really consistently at an extremely low cost per lead and cost per deal. 

I had over 400 rentals under management in 2019 and now I am almost down to 300 because so many owners have sold off.I started a direct mail campaign, am focusing on social media, and starting my agent referral program.

Which one of the paid lead generation sites are you finding most effective for getting lead lists and which mail houses are the most cost effective? 

Venmo, Paypal or simply mail a check.

A text message may or may not qualify and most people would issue a notice like this with certified mail so they can show it was sent. 4.

Two months goes by (not fast service which they advertise) and I begin to receive declined credit card inquires in my mail including one even stating "no third party applicants please apply on your own" so now I'm skeptical ESPECIALLY when I'm assured by Bernie that Seek has a "GREAT relationship" with these lenders.

Also, if I am self managing, can I log 16-24 hours per day if I am doing things like monitoring security cameras throughout the day, receiving and delivering renter's mail, responding to whatever needs/concerns renters may have, etc., and if I am available to my renters after hours / through the night?