- You or the PMC can get 3 bids, but who is going to know how to accurately compare them and understand if something is missing - that will require more work+charges once the project has started (a standard tactic by many contractors!)?

Looks like biting the bullet and getting an engineer may be my best bet.

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!

And, if feasible, charge for parking!

I was charged a year’s membership. 

They claim to charge in the "high 4 figures" - one web source says it's $4800 - to join their group and get access to their network and resources.  

California charges a minimum tax of $800 a year per LLC, and more if you have gross receipts in excess of $250k.

2) I bet you could draw that same or even more extreme graph for new car prices.

If you hire a PM, they typically charge 15~25% of the gross.

Other companies people use are SNSC, FCI, Landhome, Homekey and others.That would be your best bet.