My husband and I are relatively new to Real Estate Investing and are seeking to grow a portfolio of cash flowing properties in order to  achieve financial freedom and ultimately support our desire to serve as missionaries.  

Is this a service all GCs offer and what is the cost?

Apparently the database they use can't export lists to excel or csv so they forward my message to the software company and they sell it to me as a service...

Sears scratch and dent seem to be the most competitive, and to your points will not carry much weight in terms of warranty / service given the struggling brick and mortar model. 

This is a bit of a public service announcement. 

Moreover, you might not be able to convince the seller of the benefits they receive and you might not be able to get around the loan servicer responsibilities.

Something like your services are no longer needed could likely fit that in many states.

If the property cash flows well enough to cover the lenders debt service coverage ratio, and you have adequate liquidity, you should be able to qualify.

In the past I saw Quest & IRA Services Trust Co. recommended.

I've personally never seen or heard of a large servicer sell a one off note.