Hoping someone here has actually gone through such experience (had actual storm damage before closing) and how they navigated the process. 

Is it necessary to pay that much money?

If you absolutely need the money now and can use it for another investment, I suppose you could but wait if possible.

I don’t want any money.

We currently have about $60,000 of our own money to use for investing/renovating our properties.

Agents need to find their own business to make money.

The real thing you need to look at is whether you are going to get enough clarity from the camera you purchase to actually be able to prosecute. 

I read that some were buying the rights of people who are owed money from Lehman Brothers at 100% on the dollar because they think more is actually going to be returned with the UKs required interest, if there is money left over after they pay all their debts.

Likewise, your payment will be slightly lower and you can continue to cashflow more and still get some extra money to reinvest.   

Even an agent won't typically do these unless you hire them to place a tenant.You seem intent on being cheap, thinking you have to be to save money.