I have also overhauled our entire software architecture and have done a complete re-write of our technology so we can give the tools away for free to support 506(c) raises.  

Here are some of the problems I'm attempting to solve:-Scrubbing lists for active listings/recently sold properties and the DNC registry-Updating lists to reflect market activity-Skip tracing phone numbers-Direct Mail automation-Ability to add leads & lists seamlesslyWhether its a software, CRM, or manual system that you find to be effective, I'd love to hear how the BP community has conquered this problem faced by all scaling RE businesses. 

You see a lot of people simply trying to be the go-between on properties they found using the same tools we do (loopnet, zillow, realtor.com, commercial sale sites).  

And, after that experience, a process was put in place to ensure that all tenants sign-off on the initial walk-through checklist, that all repair requests have to be submitted by email with photos, and a "tool box" is provided that contains a plunger, hair removal comb for bathtub/shower drains, instructions on how to reset the garbage disposal, etc.  

Finally, BP has various tools available to help you analyze your deals (rental, flips, wholesale, etc), feel free to use them: https://www.biggerpockets.com/investment-calculators Please let me know if I can help, and best of luck!

Use tools such as www.rentometer.com to get an idea of what comparable rentals in your area are going for.Pricing your property slightly below market will help your rental stand out amongst the competition and allow you to pick from a more reliable pool of tenants. 

I’ve been using various city and county websites to look at current ownership, but know that there are better tools out there.

Excel is the best tool to use.

It is easy to remotely manage with the tools vrbo and airbnb provide.

Most contractors I know in this area are sitting on less than $10k in personal assets total (except their tools, haha), so the liklihood of them being able to actually pay instead of "going bankrupt" is questionable.So, from a few years down this road speaking back what I would encourage you to do is:  Figure out the process to "make it right" with the city, ask the contractor to pay for that (pay you back ideally, since they couldn't be trusted to do it right the first time), and then kick them to the curb.