It used to be contractors were more than happy to offer free and accuarte cost estimate but it would not be long  before they figured out people were just using them and had no intention of ever hiring them and of course this cost in time and some labor adds up and people need to pay their bills so , no  more free estimates, make sense?

Though I'd like to settle down back in those parts so maybe it won't be long distance forever.

Get several emergency contacts and have her sign a form naming a person who can come get her belongings "in the event of unanticipated prolonged absence"  (death or incarceration! 

What about their belongings (total loss from what I understand)? 

We also know she’s removed most of her belongings, if not all.

IIRC the mail boxes and their placement belong to the feds so go to your local post office and ask them about placement

I'd offer just enough to pay the mortgage off plus $1000 to help him get his belongings out. 

I've turned  in one broker and one salesperson into MLS organizations I belong to for this very thing. 

Since your lease includes a clause about keeping outside areas clean of debris and belongings, I'd give them written warning with 30 days to comply.  

Once they are not covering the belongings inside, it got cheaper.