You actually handled it exactly right: certified mail, physical delivery, and portal notice all cover your bases.

Some investors prefer a local company because they can physically visit the property and really understand the build.

I really like that Stessa and Baselane offer high earning interest accounts and physical debit cards and sounds like Stessa offers checks.

A lot of people these days are on the National Do Not Call list, and even one text can technically break federal law if you don’t have permission.Most folks don’t realize that those “click-to-send” texting systems are the only ones that are generally safe — you have to physically press send for each message.

Just as it's hard to comprehend all elevators needing to be individually/physically operated by a person, like they were up to ~1960.An example of many.For Real Estate Investors: The consumer will hold up (absent some new exogenous economic shock), which will drive modest rent growth through next year (1-3%). 2027, however, should be the start of rent growth recovery, with 2028+ even stronger, and so on.

But numbers on a screen don’t replace:Negotiation leverage – A seasoned agent knows how to structure terms, not just price, to win deals.Boots on the ground – Someone has to physically verify property condition, meet inspectors, and ensure you’re not inheriting hidden problems.Local market insight – Zillow comps are not always accurate.Transaction management – Coordinating title, contractors, appraisers, tenants, and property managers takes systems and experience.For out-of-state investors, paying an agent’s fee isn’t just about MLS access, it’s about protecting your investment, avoiding costly mistakes, and maximizing ROI.

@Joshua Hughes I generally like to look at the physical characteristics first and make sure those fundamentals are sound. 

Digitize physical receipts for easy storage and use a consistent naming convention for easy sorting - 2024.03.25 Home Depot.- Maintain proper records, such as contracts, settlement statements, and promissory notes.Additionally, you can track income and expenses consistently using software or spreadsheets.As you scale, if bookkeeping isn't fun, consider hiring a bookkeeper for a couple hundred bucks per month.

The only option is to have things in the physical house directing them to book direct next time. 

A mirror held up to see yourself without seeing yourself physically.