the ring doorbell comes to mind. they have 2 versions - one requires a hardwire attachement, the other is purely wireless. there is a phone app to view the camera.

I saw that one but its $200. Surely there is a cheap wireless camera that will just allow me to see who is there from a phone app.

What you are asking for is not so basic. In a relatively small unit you need a camera, wireless chip, and electronics and a housing which can withstand large fluctuations in temperature/atmospheric conditions/precipitation. Then to view it on an app you need some type of server - either one you provide, or one the camera maker provides. And then the app developer + ongoing support of the app. That said, the Ring and it's ilk are simple in that you get all that in one package. Similar items, like a Nest outdoor camera, are in a similar price range. I'm not sure how little you'd think something like this might cost. They do have sales though - if I recall they were $50 off on black friday/xmas time, so if you are patient I'm sure they'll return to that price. Or there are some cheaper, less reliable, similar items in the $100-150 range.

Well, I found one, thank to you for mentioning Nest. This one came up as an alternative on Amazon and is only $35.

Zmodo 720p HD Outdoor Home Wireless Security Surveillance Video Camera System (1 Pack)
The other thing I didn't think about was power. How do you run power to the top of your your front porch?

Did you ever hire an electrician and get your cam going? I like your choice I might get one to supplement our system!!!

Any further thoughts now that you have had it a while?

Well, I have not been able to get an electrician to make it to my house since I don't have a power source on the outside. It has not been my highest priority but I still definitely plan to do it and will post when I do.