Even if I was able to find someone, I would likely be paying one month's rent for the service, which means thousands of dollars.

If he is legit, then he shouldnt need anything from you up front (maybe a small $100 application fee at most)Use an escrow service.  

This longer life would negate some of the tax benefits that are afforded to owners of residential rental properties (due to the shorter depreciable life on those types of properties), and would most likely cause your rental income to be taxable more often then not, right?

Whether or not they move will tell you how competitive your market is and whether or not that particular tenant could/would afford the higher rate. 

The bureaus will allow payment services to report though so here is a link for the ones that currently report to Experian:https://www.experian.com/rentbureau/rental-reporti...I have heard of Rental Kharma that charges a fee to report just your payment but that doesn't include any payment processing.  

Portland, ME is fairly affordable, too, and you'll have more contactors and such available. 

As a Realtor I have certain minimum services I need to perform on behalf of my client and one of those is presenting all offers in a timely manner.

I agree with what everybody has said so far, I would also add offer concierge services that you can charge extra for.

In my opinion it is cheaper for you to list your properties through a broker that offers Flat Fee MLS listings services.

Next time it might be a disconnect notice for electric service.