It may sound nice to pay a 6% management fee but the extra fees can add up to be more than the other company that charges 10% with no additional fees.

Also any tips for automating this as much as possible and how to protect the property financially and property management would be appreciated.I ALMOST understand the rental arbitrage strategy if building a company scaling with say 30 + units and looking for high short term cash flow.  

Second piece of advice is to have a trust worthy title company that can guide you.

Find information on transfers is kids play for any of these companies. 

I would manage at first to learn the ropes, and then probably use a management company. 

I encounter this semi often as I broker to buyers and also own a PM company so often have to do the same or similar transition as you are looking for, for my clients. 

He's got the #1 investor podcast in your area, his property management company is first rate, and he's a great guy.

Usually having a servicing company helps the lender to consider that.  

Will they "check themselves" from bad behavior when they see a professional company with professional services, legally reviewed lease, etc. managing their day-to-day?

I would look up NARPM and start with them..Below are some questions I would think would be a good starting point for you to see who really treats their company like a business or a hobby.