Trying to evict, tenant got attorney, now suing me-North Carolina

[Don Jackson]

My SF property is in North Carolina - section 8. Tenant is always behind on rent, so the PM suggested we evict. I said yes. Lease was expired, so PM gave her 1 1/2 months notice to leave at end of January. She tried to pay February rent, but the PM refused saying that she is being evicted. She got an attorney and their offer was: We forgive all past rent/debt and pay her $2500. They are going to counter sue me. Turns out the lease automatically renews at the same low rent and the PM didn't notice. PM now is telling me: 1) I need to hire an attorney 2) I shouldn't contact the tenant's attorney because that would "muddy the water" I am fine if the tenant just pays rent and I can live with the low/under market rent for another year. I just can't afford to go without rent and continue paying mortgage. Right now I wish I wouldn't have agreed to evict. Any advice for me? Before I contact her attorney I want to get some feedback from the BP community. Thanks!