Needed! Scouting Camera Advice - I'm ready to buy

[Patriot]

Hey everyone,
I'm (finally) in a position to afford a scouting camera.  Lots of questions of course.  Please weigh in!

What a better group of folks to get advice from!

1.  What is the best brand for the money (include cost if known)?
2.  Flash or no flash?
3.  How often do they need to be checked (ie. how much battery life is there)?
4.  Tips and tricks (ie. memory cards, settings)
5.  Are there any out there that take the picture and download it online, so I can view from home without physically checking the device?  If not, I'm sure it's in development.
6.  Ease of use comments

Thanks!!