I don't know about your, but I have moved away  from security deposits altogether and no do a 'move in fee' of $300 or $400 dollars.

Currently, I own some rentals, 2 SF homes, 1 two-flat, and an additional BRRRR closing next month. 

I have a junk removal company willing to negotiate on labor and/or a flat rate if I purchase a 40 yard roll-off for $500/two weeks(my contractor will fill it with demo debris as well).  1) What is an appropriate number to begin negotiations for an hourly labor rate or flat rate to complete the entire job? 

You can choose to structure the project on a flat rate basis or on a per hour basis.

Also, if you used a single shim, swap it out for 2 'opposing' that make the support surface flat.

US Federal Government Balance of Payments CrisisOur public debt is altogether too much. 

I've got posts of my STR experiences with rattlesnakes, prostitutes, intruders, more intruders, police, psychotic mutts, one tenant having an affair with another tenants wife, dead bodies, ghosts, wild animals, pellet guns, real guns, check cashing, marriage counseling, trips to the emergency room, drug overdoses, flat tires, kegorators, etc.

That being said, some MDJ's rewrite our leases regarding stated late fees ($50 flat) and occasionally on tenant-caused damages. 

Should we hold off altogether to reduce debt while impending economic problems get transpire?

You might just have to agree with the tenant on how to divide it or you charge a flat fee to the tenant in the rent and adjust it annually.