The local banks are usually willing to do things the big national outfits are not - at least that has been my experience.Nabbing an apt building would be great, and if you could consolidate your capital in that purchase I think that is a good strategy. 

The expensive outfit is just a redecorator.

Big outfits or long time agents may not be as interested in being your go-to as the commission is fairly low and the level of service on these policies can far outweigh the commission.

I am currently testing out a smaller outfit and currently have mixed feelings about them so I am still in search of the right management company as I will be investing in more properties here pretty soon.

I have a different outfit that represents me on new construction projects, they add a TON of value through locating and entitling the property - we have done about $6.5M in sales in that last few years with another $6M in the pipeline. 

Depending on where your property is located I would outfit a 2BR unit fully furnished with new contemporary IKEA products.

Most commercial outfits mark up 8% annually.Most buyers make a very wrong assumption that their lease payments are somehow paying down the purchase price and that they own something.A rent-to-own, which is a confusing name, is just a lease with an option to buy.

She called one of the BIG plumbing outfits that advertises on TV .  

I'm sure there's lots of interesting differences there.I guess my big question would be what "Western Cultural Norms 101" support the charity outfit will be offering.

Go with a well established bigger outfit may be best.