Customer wants expansion - Help!

Hi everyone,
To start, I am not a coder or developer. I know data management and project management (though not software development).

Over the past 9 months, I have been cobbling together a web app for internal process flows. So far it has been a great success. Several customers who have seen the output are expressing interest in using it in-house. But right now, it is in no shape to be used outside our business.

Originally, I came up with the data structures and project definitions, then posted it to a freelancer site. I had some bright guys that know their stuff win the contract and I am happy with the resulting PHP/AWS web app.

The challenge I am having is in a couple areas:

1. Despite being a bright team, my current developers live on the other side of the planet, which is a problem when the site goes down and I need help now.
2. The process of getting the team to add features and clean up annoying bugs is time consuming and clunky via the freelance site. I want to have a more iterative and “live” discussion with the developer.
3. I am starting to get a bit paranoid (if customers will be using it) about the overall security of the relationship, since I don't know very much about my developers. Ideally, I would like someone in the same legal jurisdiction as me so that we could sign a proper binding contract.

I think I have a couple options:

1. Look to hire a developer as an employee. But I am no coder, so how do I assess candidates?
2. Look for a “white label” developer house to take me on as a client. I had initially looked at this route with some local developers who quoted me a price that was more than we could afford paying (though I am sure it was fair for what I asked for).
3. Look for a technical partner. A similar challenge to option 1, but with much bigger stakes.

I am wondering if I can get some advice on how I might proceed. All comments are welcome and I will try to answer any questions within reason.