I have the tenant pay electronically and I have a maint guy that handles service calls.

I have heard of companies that will deal with the machines and the service and take a percentage of the profits every month.

In Independence Missouri you have no choice, all rentals must be inspected with or without your consent or that of the tenant - or according to Independence city council evict the tenant if they will not let the government mandated inspector in the home - although you also actually have to hire the mandated inspector and pay them too in Independence.

Our goal is to build a sizeable portfolio to gain financial independence, while teaching our children along the way.

Personally, what I invest in depends on the market.

The Contract servicing company("escrow specialists") is forwarding my payments to diTech.

I'm currently consuming all things REI - books, blogs, podcasts, etc. in hopes of gaining the knowledge to make an exciting and financially independent future for myself and my wife.

The "ops" company provides services, has employees, and character of risk of loss is different than the holding company. 

I've also really enjoyed a blog/podcast on personal finance and broader financial independence at  https://www.choosefi.com/https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/11/1...https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/1...

Once you approach 10 gpm electric power demands would be prohibitive for standard residential electric services.