Im sure they would have the payment for services paid to their broker like they do with every other payment they receive.

The utility might do a read-only for free, but lots will charge for this service. 

I have never used Simplysafe, but most security systems use cellular and the cost of service is part of their monitoring fee. 

Get someone out there, get your tenants heat and sleep well knowing you did the right thing and provided your tenants with excellent service.

Service contractor with rebate wants $30K getting 2K back.

Should I hire a service team to look at them?

My only concern with working in more rural areas is that we won't have the PM or service people to deal with the properties.

Our total monthly cash flow is $28 (living for free, plus $28 - this factors vacancy and collection loss, mortgages, reserves for replacement, etc. - I'm the appraiser...).We have nearly saved up $140,000, which happens to be about 20% for the new listing.

I have looked on Costar for individuals who have done 1031 Exchanges, peeped at alternative websites who act as either a brokerage or glorified listing service, called into my local networks, sifted through hedge fund managers, etc.  

I know there have been a good deal of posts looking for managers inside the city of Philadelphia but it seems some of the managers do not manage properties out in the suburbs, if anyone has any recommendations for property managers who service the Montgomery County area it would be greatly appreciated.