if Bigger Pockets stands firm on their money making procedure with  Pace’s book then understand that Bigger Pockets is not the place to attack folks for doing sub2 or talking about it. 

What is the first step I need to take to stand firm on receiving payment?

I, too, am at a crossroads, deciding whether to self-manage my first property or enlist the services of a property management firm.

While I admire your desire to help people, at some point, that is going to bite you in the ***.You should have firm set criteria, and stick to it.

After 40 + years in real estate, I have seen the guru industry grow from a few guys teaching others about their own success (by way of $99 seminars, $249 for “books and tapes” ) to $40,000 full mentoring programs with enrollees being mentored by “operations” personnel (who may no experience whatsoever) with marketing programs put together by one of 5 firms located in Las Vegas or Salt Lake City.  

I’m a firm believer folllowing someone’s foot steps that has figured it out so to speak is the fastest way to success.

Even so a couple weeks sounds fair if it is a hefty turnover with a full week of work for full repaint and a trash haul. 

I'd want to hire a design-build firm at the very least, but beyond that, would it make sense to bring in a developer who's done this before?

With that being said I'm hoping to find a firm with a great BIC/ Mentor to guide me in the right direction.

We as a firm have investors working with us who have rental properties all over the US big and small.Finding a real estate-focused tax professional and one who can help with advisory and grow with you would be my suggestion to focus your efforts on finding.