I posted about your skill and intelligence ealier but forgot to mention your courage to take on a deal of this magnitude and so far from home.

The Atlanta (etc) PM situation reminds me of the US medical system where Dr's (per the AMA) can only give you toxic pills and not solve the underlying problem, which means you're in an endless cycle of going to multiple Drs getting more and more prescriptions.

If you have some experience as an executive assistant or general office (or some sort of specialty - medical billing, etc), you might be able to make some good money..

For many people with smarts and/or business and/or practical skills, RE is just another potential money strategy, not a passion.

If you pay him a flat hourly fee, he knows his earnings are capped so he has little or no incentive to close deals.I don't know the guy or his skill set, if you think he could grow your business and grow WITH the business, you should consider a percentage.

That depends on your general financial situation, the amount of capital you have to invest, your market, your skills, your available time, your longterm goals...

Special skills? 

Some people can't get over the fear of calling people, some people lack the negotioation skills which is a MUST HAVE in this business.

I tried that once but I'm not comfortable enough with my on-the-spot repair estimating skills to be willing to do that again anytime soon.

Although, it's not just our subs and construction management skills we are bringing to the table.