Go with GC #2 but ask for references and maybe photos or a tour... 

Reduced profit on a tour first couple of deals can be much cheaper than paying for your mistakes out of pocket.

Then, when February hits, I'd begin seriously touring properties, and telling everyone I come across a) where I'm looking b) my price range and c) my ideal property. 

I use:Dropbox, for all files and backups of important papersZillow Rental Manager, for posting all my available rentalsBuildium, for everything property management related Google, for virtual tours of houses and neighborhoods

I've had other units with single panes in the past and I think that is probably the last thing on a tenants mind when touring.

Make sure you schedule trip so if you get a bad vibe in person, you still have time to call / meet another company.One of the things I would check on is how large is the PM company so if the person taking care of my property goes on vacation or get sick (hopefully not), they can seamlessly back fill; Service calls have to done promptly, rent has to be collected, leasing tours have to be scheduled, emergencies have to be addressed.

And its still a great tour boat too. 

I've done a range of things professionally, though my current work is in real estate photography, specializing in virtual tour creation and aerial imagery.

Have you tried touring neighborhood properties (physical and online) to get a better idea of what's out there?

These are sometimes good deals, more often they're just average because every broker that the seller called has called all of their clients and by the time it's all said and done everybody knows about it.The second is where a seller wants to sell, but doesn't want anybody at the property to know it's for sale, or doesn't want a bunch of tours, or doesn't want to wait for the broker to make up a full package, market the listing, take offers, etc.