The Book on Investing with No (and Low) Money Down is next on my reading list, so please don't just reiterate, however if you strongly feel that one form of getting money is better or worse than another, I will be more than happy to ready why.Cheers,Kelsey

Some of these properties are older and low priced. 

I'm determined to at least have my first physical property before 2018, but it's extremely frustrating when you feel like you're doing the right things and yet...nothing.

There is a lot of money, that is sitting around and earning a low interest rate, or nothing at all.  

Thanks for the thaughts, but actually It wasnt a low ball offer.  

Pros: low maintenance, low price tag, positive cashflowCons: rents capped at 700/mn, not going to bring in rock star tenants, not the most desirable areaThanks for the help!

Chances are extremely high that the Paul Davis, Servpro's, and Service Master's, etc. in your area do program work and are not independent.If I was in your position, I'd hire 2 independent firms who are certified by the IICRC in Fire & Smoke Restoration (FSRT certification) but ideally, have a Master Fire & Smoke Restoration certification.

There seems to be a lot of them and I guess I'm looking for one that is reliable, easy to work with and charges relatively low fees. 

How many units do they own (I like a low amount)?

Ie If we got the property, the price is low enough that my wife and I could personally cash flow the building until it was stable, but is that a 12 month time horizon?