Anthony,I live in BR and looking to get into the business of buy and hold.  

Brand new cabinets (pipe burst and they had to be replaced but they replaced with nice cabinets and formica plus low end appliances). no one has lived there since the pipe and rehab was done so there is little to be done other than kitchen, baths, floors and paint.

Or an if possible financially comment.2) if your furnaces are from 1984 or that far in the past era-ish, new units today use a different coolant and I understand that they old/new are not compatible with one another so adding a brand new ac to an antique furnace probably won't work from the very start which means you're looking at a change out period.

We can jump to a more advanced explanation than what would be given to a brand new member. 

Does anyone have any brands that they like to use for rentals?  

But I'm curious if it is possible to sign on with a major firm under my company (instead of, or in addition to my personal) name so that I am building my own company brand from day one - before eventually going solo at some point in the future once I qualify for a firm license?

I think 50-50 is average for brand new agents.As an agent, you can sell FSBO, but you must disclose that you are an agent.

Installing a brand new water heater is not.  

BUT most likely the reason for a bargain on a brand like this is because of overuse.

When you start out in Real Estate you are pretty green and really need to focus on getting experience and building your brand.