It could be as simple as the return was not worth it to them, but might be to you.

I was thinking Cash for the simple fact of not paying interest.

My kitchens are simple and galley-style, so it shouldn't be too complex, but I was wondering if anyone has had a good experience working with any local installers / contractors to install countertops for a reasonable price.

This is the simple economics of supply and demand.

I have posted in full detail in many threads here in BP how to do that, simple do a search for how to estimate rehab costs.

Or is as simple as signing the deed over to my LLC

If you're going to keep it simple to start with, maybe look at homes 1940's or later, stay out of flood zones, and always get a good home inspection. 

It isn't just as simple as this is "better".

The buyer may not pay, doesn't pay taxes, wrecks the place, etc.Legal action is possible but also takes time and money, that can be spend better elsewhere.So my question is simple, is there some sort of insurance/service that simply guarantees me that I recieve all my monthly payments?

At the end of the day a real asset that doesn't appreciate well is simple one that pulls one fewer lever than others.