It is the same recording fee, just different wording on the deed.

And, it's amazing how many closing costs are junk fees that we as investors need to pushback on paying for ourselves and our clients.

I feel like a Daisy-Chain would muck up my Timeline or even the whole Deal.As long as everything is in writing and I get my Fee, does it matter?

I have read in forums that upfront fees are generally big no-no's.

Landlords mistakenly ASSUME all PMCs offer the exact same services and operate the exact same way, so price is the only differentiator.So, the first question they usually ask a PMC is about fees - instead of asking about services.This also leads them to ASSUME simpler is better when it comes to management contracts.

then theirs charges 1000s in extra fees. 

I believe it is completely reasonable to have a clause in your lease that places a cap on utilities with any overage (proven by a bill) being the responsibility of the resident.Our clause states that any electrical bill (we don't have gas, and water has never been a problem) that is over double the same month's bill from last year will have the overage assigned as a fee.It is important to keep your bookkeeping straight if you do assess a fee.

Quote from @Catherine Ding: My PM company is offering to do it for a high fee of $100/month so I'm trying to find alternative options.

Large syndication company, higher fees than most other syndicators.

PM's will keep all late fees, they hold the security deposits so they collect all the interest on security deposits.