(tenant screening, rent collection, maintenance scheduler, etc).

This will also help me when it comes time to obtain a conventional loan(if that's the route I want to take) where Ill be asked for proof of income and I will need the funds for a down payment.

students deserve nice places to live. we aren't trying to be slumlords but i do realize that students probably have slightly lower expectations than other types of tenants, so i feel we wont need to break the bank in the level of finishing details like we did on our own home but we will provide housing that is clean and safe and attractive. also thinking we can use some creative materials and methods to make the units party-proof. maybe we get lucky and find some long term professors or grad students and don't have to do annual turnover on every unit. even so, i budgeted 8% for property management after watching david greene's webinar yesterday.the heloc would allow for an easy down payment and a nice buffer for rehab, and i have 750+ credit score and good wage earning history, so i think a conventional loan should not be a problem to obtain. a cash out refi might be an option on the horizon if we decide to really crank a proper rehab but the units (from the pictures i saw) are livable as-is.should i be more specific here on the address/market to get better help?

What is the best platform (for a landlord and tenant) for paying and collecting rent in a long distance situation.

Some organization, such as larger banks (I think) will still service the loan, i.e. collect the payments, be the 800 service for when you call in, etc. 

Or, keep collecting partial rent for next few months till court system is fully functional and scheduling prompt hearings again?  

So I want the kitchen to look good, but something durable, tenant proof and affordable is what I'm after. 

However, this is highly audited area and you will see some blocks:1) you need to find a right asset first that you  enough depreciation with cost seg. 2) you need to materially participate in that activity.3) your losses might even be limited based other IRS code section. 4) You need to have an audit proof and documentation of real estate professional status.If we are talking about a huge tax bill, I’m pretty sure you would benefit from hiring a good CPA who can cut your tax bill.

At least now my collections are at 98-100% once the eviction process starts they lose all motivation to pay.  

They are going to have great views and all of their friends will want to come to their houses.Have been stocking the pond even as it was collecting water and not fully built.