Hi, I live out in the woods.  The street my inlaws live on have had recent armed home invasions.  I would like to install a security system for them to give them some piece of mind.  I have been combing over this forum and the information is massive and my knowledge limited.  Through my reading, I have learned that a NVR is better and more cost effective than using a computer.  That being said, which brand of NVR would offer the most value?  I think it would be more cost effective to buy the NVR and with a couple of good cameras, then add cameras as my budget allows.  Max cameras I would need is 8.   
  
So...which brand would be the most cost effective.  That performs well.  Provides, possibly, a free cloud service.  And provides good mobile apps?  What would you buy?  Then I guess I would integrate their cameras in with it.  Right?