I would appreciate some referrals to help jump-start our search.

Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

I have a deal ready, buyer and seller and willing to a compensate for a solid referral, so far the attorneys I've been doing with in New York suck! 

Even if someone gives you a referral here, do NOT make the mistake of assuming that the PMC will meet your expectations, just because they met the expectations of the referral source.In our experience, the #1 mistake owners make when selecting a Property Management Company (PMC) is ASSUMING instead of CONFIRMING.It's often a case of not doing enough research, as they don't know what they don't know!

Also referrals from BP members gives credentials In a  way

Do you have a good investor friendly real estate agent in your area you can ask if they have a referral for a good insurance broker?

You can even offer them referral fees or partial ownership, if feasible.I also emphasize the importance of effective communication and weekly meetings with the power team.

I have a VA company referral if youre interested

I have a referral for a good lender in your case that could help with the closing costs and a realtor as well.

There's a chance they will say no (because they showed you 6 properties and expect to be paid) in which case perhaps you can arrange for their managing broker to set you up with a different agent in the same brokerage and give the first agent a referral fee for their efforts/ for referring you.