Some states have professional assesment fighting companies that only charge a percent of the savings.

At some point I signed up for promotional emails from a company called Here.

I had a similar experience also didn't get 2 of my properties rented by November after I turned over one at the beginning of August and the other mid September.I switched to another local but flat rate company who rented both in less than 2 weeks.

I am in a time crunch as I assume I can't list and show the property until I have the legal framework established.

what happens with the initial scope of work and the company that's funding me?

If you can find a legal property, an STR can be lucrative, but be sure to do your homework.  

Can be severe penalties just like city STR restrictions, maybe $100s/day and legal expenses to force compliance. 

2) Do you hire a property management company before or after you purchase the property? 

A good real estate brokerage firm will not entertain or interview you if you do not have an active real estate license because those brokerages are top producing brokerage meaning those companies are buying leads with premium leads like Zillow and other sources.

My company has worked with many investors in your shoes ready to get out of active management and unlock their trapped equity.