We are thinking of listing it with Air BnB but we live an hour and a half north of there.

Said she is too old and doesn't want the hassle, though she recently hired a new property manager she likes. 

Should I hire someone to help me as an employee or should I try to form a partnership or some combo of both?

I've hired contractors to refinish, to make small patch finish repairs, to redo 3 piece tub walls and to completely remove and replace tub shower units. 

you already live in a state were investors buy.. not sure why U would wonder about.SC in Charleston particular is very robust.. however do check prop tax's  the play there is LEGAL air bnband student housing..

If you do stage, do you hire it out, or run it yourself?

Perhaps a nice 1950's built bungalow.Always hire a 3rd party property inspector to give you an unbiased feel for the home.

There are probably State laws that apply as well as local ordinances in some cities.Although I'm not 100% sure, I THINK a landlord is required to keep the rental "habitable" which I think includes things like hot water and a heating system but not things like lawn care or air conditioning. 

It seems that you don't have correct understanding of taxes/entity structure, hire good CPA (there are quite few of them here on BP), would be well worth it!

He ask for my returns for the last two years to get familiarize, and found I missed some deduction, and errors that cost me the same as if I hired a CPA.