The deposits and repair are a meager $1200, but total claim would be as high as $3500-$4000 if applying my RE rate for our least profitable property, and over the $6k limit if using an average rate of all properties.I expect the base deposits to be a slam dunk win, with issues during collection probably requiring wage garnishment from 1 spouse.

What about hiring a kid for minimum wage to help you out?

If your tenant is employed you can garnish their wages to collect in most states which means a responsible tenant will pay what they owe.

I have considered creating a collection agency of my own and petitioning for wage garnishes, but, I am unsure.

Wife is a nurse, I'd recover my wages in about a year.  

A minimum wage worker jumping from job to job may not be the best qualified, but a salaried person at the same job for a couple years while unfortunately in an industry that isn't high pay may be plenty qualified based on their proven history of being responsible. 

Getting paid in cash makes wage garnishment darn near impossible.

Because a new staff member or three or four, don't just cost hourly wages.  

If they are collectible you can sue them, garnish their wages, tax refunds or place a lien on their properties.

For 2016, an employee will pay: a. 6.2% Social Security tax on the first $118,500 of wages (maximum tax is $7,347.00 [6.2% of $118,500]), plusb. 1.45% Medicare tax on the first $200,000 of wages ($250,000 for joint returns; $125,000 for married taxpayers filing a separate return), plusc. 2.35% Medicare tax (regular 1.45% Medicare tax + 0.9% additional Medicare tax) on all wages in excess of $200,000 ($250,000 for joint returns; $125,000 for married taxpayers filing a separate return).