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  #1 rule is not to trust them, but they still have value. 

I would love to hear a story of someone where they explain how insurance has helped them with their property.I am getting into out of state real estate investing this month and am curious to hear other perspectives.  

It sounds like you trust your PM and he is doing what he is getting paid for.

So, they can markup what they paid out and keep the difference.Most PMC industry software has these two options built in.So, it's just a matter of understanding how your PMC is marking up maintenance and not expecting it to be for free.Regarding the specific charges you mentioned - there has to be some level of trust with your PMC. 

I have always been surrounded by real estate and real estate investing since I was little.

I've been able to close over 400 deals for my clients in the past few years, and we are constantly working with the same clients who trust us repeatedly.

Trust yourself and "go for it!"

Do we have trusted advisors, brokers or community bankers within this platform who would like to work on this?

Never trust their valuation of the property.