I don't want to expose my family to unnecessary risk/leverage, but I also want to build on the momentum.I would be very grateful to hear the thoughts of this community on how to stay on the gas and not hit the breaks for at least a year and risk losing any momentum.

That is not an alignment of goals.The $100 minimum means their base fee on your $1,200 is actually 8.33%.If your scheduled gross rent is $14,400 ($600/month x 2 x 12)Minimum PM fee -$1200 ($100 x 12)Re-lease inherited tenant -$395One-month vacancy -$100 PM fee (and -$600 from your gross revenue)Fee to lease new tenant -$395 (you didn't mention this, but I imagine they would charge at least as much as the re-lease)So right there you've got $2090 in PM fees on $13,800 gross = 15%Now over time those lease-up and vacancy management fees will even out as tenants stay longer than 1 year, but if you just wrote in 8% for management, you should almost 2x that to get to reality, at least in year 1. 

I realize my goals seem bold to say the least, but I would much rather shoot for the stars and land on the moon then stay on earth the rest of my life.  

Stay tuned for the miracle.

We stayed in Honolulu and Maui, I understand why you wouldn't want to invest close to home.  

Emotional usually equates to crazy.If you can work with them fine otherwise stay out of it.

I think he was too embarrassed to call me even though I stayed in touch via text every couple of weeks.

I lack the funds and/or ability to get a portfolio loan of this size as I’m coming from a stay at home mom/small buiness owner salary.  

I currently am a stay at home mom so my husband can focus on establishing his career as a real estate broker.

Depending on how long tenants stay, assuming the average of 2-3 years, cost is minimal but every 3-4 tennat turn over may require more extensive upgrading of many items.