I allow them to pay with check as well, but I charge an additional $10 fee for the extra time gathering it and taking a trip to the bank.

This means we buy 4+ bedroom homes close to schools, hospitals, military bases and bus/train lines.

They throw off little to no money as a small operator.Gas stations like Quick Trip and Race Trac will take up a whole 2 acres generally and have 12 to 14 pumps or more.Generally those that pay the highest for a corner is a national gas station like those mentioned above or a Walgreens or CVS pharmacy.Other tenant types will generally not pay corner money.

I have booked my trip to visit the two markets I've mentioned and will be spending 4 days in Columbus, OH and another 4 days in Indianapolis, IN from Sept. 5th-12th.

But if it is the symptom of a bigger problem with the siding or the roof then it might be worth a trip to the lawyer.

Make it clear to applicants that you want a different process then repeated trips to the front door.Have them come to you and/or deposit to your bank account.  

I'd set up interview with another PM company just to maximize your trip 

I am familiar with some minor construction because I have built different structures on mission trips. 

You will cash flow less than self-managing, but you'll avoid the conflicts of who does what (can't take half a phone call, trip to the property, etc).  

Good luck on your trip out here.