Some banks do an automated valuation instead of an appraisal.

If you choose, they can facilitate automated payments from your tenants account to yours, though it is ACH and the process is a bit slow.

Automated billing with credit cards and what software is being used? 

Automating those small tasks makes a huge difference to self-managing.  

1) automate as much as possible. software, self service, etc.2) get good systems and process in place3) have good cleaners and handymen in place4) handle things that need your attention.

Through all of my research, I’ve consistently landed on QuickBooks Online as we have a lot of the same requirements as you mentioned (cloud-based; automated, cheap or free electronic payments).

I also have a full time job but am putting some systems in place, especially for my STR that automate 90% of the business, and I will achieve 30%-40% CoC return.

STR's/LTRs take time to set up and are not passive, they can be automated but you will have to deal with the guests.

I probably will never be able to trust a large PM that automates away all the tenant/applicant contact. 

I'm seeing that things are slowly becoming more automated.