I finally got these controllers working after completely wiping my SD card and rewriting the Retropie image. The only difference this time is that when running through the update I didn't update the underlying kernel, only the Retropie packages. The only reason I did this was on the previous setup this caused several issues such as having to log in at power-on. These were easy to fix but I didn't feel like dealing with it.

I guess dual bluetooth controllers of differing makes/models are not supported?

@insidious611 also remember any time you set it up changing the 8-bitdo hack option and sync, you need to re setup your controller in emulationstation so it correctly installs all the controller configs.

@indvrkness Your post does not include all of the details from THIS POST which you are supposed to read and follow, and it doesn't look like you have read and followed the documentation that actually addresses using these controllers.

Mark this one as solved. Here is the current procedure for getting these to work:

Update 8bitdo firmware. Clear all previous paired Bluetooth devices. Make sure 8bitdo hack is OFF. With only a keyboard plugged in and both controllers off, turn on and pair each controller. Take one of the paired 8bitdo controllers and once back in emulationstation, hit start and assign the buttons.

Very important, you MUST assign the buttons in ES even if you have previously assigned the buttons while the controller was plugged in. The controller on Bluetooth is actually viewed as a different controller than when it is plugged in so your button map doesn't transfer over. Enjoy!

problem seems to be solved - thank you all!
until next time...