Would you hire a dedicated property manager or would it be smarter to pay the short term rental cleaners extra to do any small extra tasks needed?

I've done this over a number of years and have now hired and supervise a crew of guys instead of hiring contractors.

We didn't have enough money to hire out tasks, so what should have been done in short order dragged on a few months, and each month costs a mortgage payment. 

Big difference is your only going to get a cease and desist and have to hire an attorney to keep you from further legal harm.

You can usually google search people or check court records.Or you can hire a PI too.That said I would be careful with working with under 2M net worth CONtractors and why I like syndications where the people you are working with have skin in the game.

For the past 3 months, the contractor I hired has been giving me reason after reason (excuses?)

You can self manage or hire a PM.

You can't get an FHA or other mortgage to house hack without full-time employment that is not freelance or IC.

You might be able to hire an off duty police officer or two but not sure if that will solve this.. 

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