* Replaced the old dryer thermal fuse with a new one - initially I thought the original fuse had no continuity, but I later verified that it actually did (i.e., user error on my part with the multi-meter).
* Confirmed continuity on both thermostats and the heating element.
* Replaced thermal cut-off fuse on the heater due to no continuity.
* Heat returned for one dry cycle, but cut off again for the second dry cycle. (It must be a symptom only and not the root cause.)
* Instead of replacing the thermal cut-off fuse again, I "reset" it by banging it a few times on a solid floor surface (front patio concrete in my case) as recommended on a couple YouTube videos, which worked like a charm to restore continuity on both the new and old thermal cut-off fuses.
* Did more research on YouTube videos and learned that the root cause of chronic overheating and thermal cut-off fuse failure may be a clogged exhaust vent, hose and/or duct.
* Diagnostic test by a trained technician confirmed there were no other underlying electronic issues and that cleaning the dryer and duct were probably the best next steps to prevent recurrence of the overheating and thermal cut-off fuse failure.
* Wiped and brushed the dryer exhaust pipe and the wall duct pipe of accessible lint / dust / debris.
* Replaced the old dryer duct hose with a new one (secured with clamps and proper duct tape).
* That's where we're at currently. Hopefully having the dryer and wall duct professionally cleaned will do the final trick. (Landlord hasn't had this cleaning done in years, and I'm actually just now learning that it should be done annually.)