Lists like "10 things a landlord must know" that can be read in a minute and make someone feel good but leave them with no real information or direction.

With the service contract, I give the tenant the 24 hour emergency number, they call and make the appointment directly, and would know directly when they'll come.I keep a few space heaters around for emergencies, but with service contracts, I haven't used or needed them in years, and fortunately I had no complaints.

It would be best to ask your lender directly.

Since you are in Florida, uv levels are higher as  you move south towards the equator do to more direct line of light. 

I have to show the house anyway and give them keys once approved.I make them go to my bank and deposit rent directly to my account.

That would KILL your IRA and create huge tax penalties.There is a retirement plan based structure know as a Rollover as Business Startup that allows you to take existing retirement funds and use them to capitalize a business in which you are directly involved. 

So here we are a month into them releasing the home to another asset mgr and the receiving asset mgr has yet to see the home in their database.The home has been on auction.com for a yr and they simply tell me to make an offer with the bank...can't do that if I don't have the number and none of the ones I have tried seem to work...or better yet how do I find an agent who deals with chase reo homes so that I can present an offer directly?

Don't focus on the MLS -- do your own off-MLS direct marketing.

Any advice on West Michigan wholesalers or direct mail campaign?

I have been doing some reading on a Self Direct IRA for which an individual can take their 401k funds and move to a Self Directed IRA in order to purchase an investment property.