So this is what he suggested based on my discussion with him. He wants me to purchase it, and he will install it.

GW 8 CH NVR + 4 HD 1920P 5MP H.265 Megapixel IP Camera Weatherproof Smartphone Scan QR Code Quick Remote Access Varifocal Lens Surveillance PoE IP Camera System P2P Real Time Motion Detect (2TB HDD)

Price is $900 at Newegg. Just wondering if this is within acceptable limits, not outstanding, just OK to get.

Should I pepper my angus?

I would be leery of that brand as their reviews suck.

Contrast that with this Reolink system for the same money and more cameras and I would go with Reolink.  Their 8 channel system is on that page as well for $480.

Another option is Blue Iris on a PC.  I just did that this weekend and am very happy with it.  It is a bit CPU intensive though so nothing below an i3-4370 would be a good idea with 8 cameras in my opinion.

ETA: The Blue Iris mobile app is awesome!

Thanks, this really helps!