I’ve found that offering cash can sometimes provide a workaround.

Be that as it may, with this approach, you will have to provide some value for your folks even to consider this.

Sharing your goals can help others provide more specific advice! 

What other advice can be provided here?

Hiring a lawyer sounds expensive, but it is way cheaper than hiring a amateur (in this case yourself) who costs you money and provides no results (and then you need to hire a professional anyway).My personal philosophy is to "do it right, or do it twice" and its way cheaper to do it right once. 

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

Without knowing any of your financial position of your work or side hustles it is hard to give you exact advice because you may be able to carry these homes until they are paid off and in that case they would provide solid returns, but there are likely better real estate investments out there.  

With all respect to AirDNA and the amazing data they provide for STR owners, their pricing tool is not on par with most tools available there. 

@Hai Le - Usually you have to provide written notice / 30 day notice if you decide to not renew their lease or even just asking a tenant to leave.

Networking through meetups and leveraging online communities like BiggerPockets can provide invaluable support and insights as you take your first steps.Good luck!