Some PM companies take on higher end stuff (think Cul-De-Sac neighborhoods) and some focus on the hood.

If something breaks, the management company fixes it. 

(you need to differentiate when a Mark Spain type company is running radio ads to attract business for themselves from it actually helping you out)4) Our TEAM or BROKERAGE has sold "X" homes!

But her company, like so many, has whittled down their actual service to the point that they aren't really doing useful work, just enriching the CEO.

That could be your PM company if you plan to hire one. 

While this is a great and highly motivating goal, most people are either clueless or incorrect in their belief as to what is required to obtain this “lifestyle”.Understanding of the “how to” get there is further obscured by the misleading, and often patently false “pathways” sold by real estate educational MARKETING companies as workshops, upsold to association memberships, upsold to mentorships.

Brett,I have never heard of that company but any reason why your not using an FDIC Bank or well known lender? 

I work for a flooring company as a designer and meet contractors and people who flip homes regularly so it has me flirting with the idea of doing it myself.My question is, how did you get your spouse to be on board with real estate investing?

There's usually a good reason why a company is cheaper or more expensive.

The company is looking at charging %25 which seems like highway robbery.