Keep communicating with the tenant and put it is writing so they can clearly see it. 

3) What is the optimal method and preferred frequency of communication?

With that said set some expectations for how things will be communicated.

I'm not saying that you need to know how to swing a hammer but you should have some basic knowledge of construction so that you can communicate with contractors with credibility.

I have been communicating with the mortgage broker for the past few weeks.

We provide excellent communication and have no annual contract with owners- they can leave if they are not happy.   

I have been documenting as much as possible, taking care to communicate in writing, either via paper or email/text and any in-person conversations with a witness – to not take any chances with this tenant as I suspect he is video-recording in-person conversations without our consent. 

It is definitely a time that you need to communicate more than ever with your occupants and let them know that you’re on the same team.As far as screening new tenants, that is all done virtually, you can do background checks and have them send pictures of drivers license and if you market on Facebook to rent the property it is great to look at their profile to see what type of people they are.Don’t let anything slow you down, find ways around every obstacle including this pandemic!

Also, try to see what kind of personality they have in terms of how they communicate and expectations (low maintenance vs high maintenance).

I have and ecobee thermostat that is located on the 1st floor with temperature sensors in every room of every apartment that communicate with the thermostat.