Perhaps hire the PM as a second set of eyes for quality control but that should be in addition to the GC you should hire from day one. 

The most important advice is not to get emotionally attached to properties (If viewed as an investment vehicle, Owning for personally reasons is difference).

4) How to control maintenance costs.

The state doesn’t have rent control laws, but landlords are prohibited from collecting more than one month’s rent for security deposits.

He played on my emotions - it's easier than finding properties and dealing with tenants, PMs, etc.

By what you have said, it sounds like you are thinking about this place as an owner (emotionally) vs a realtor (sorry if I am reading into this, but your statements about charm etc.).  

You may lose access to the bookings they have managed, as those reservations are often under Evolve’s control, and they may manage the communication, payments, and cancellations for those guests.Transferring Bookings: Some companies might allow you to transfer the bookings if you switch to managing the property independently or through another service.

Financing is key, and many investors use mortgages to leverage their money and control larger properties.

I'm debating Launch Control or staying with SC.  

The deal is more directly impacted by macro-economic factors than anything the sponsor can control.