How to source software development work?

This is more a question on the business side, but I want experienced opinions from software developers. What is the best way to source labor and structure a project to have an app developed?

I'm am a machine learning engineer, but frankly, I'm lazy. And I don't want to dive into app development right now. I'd like pay to have an app made. I've looked at freelancing websites, and that's one route I could go. I could also try and hire someone I know to work with. The big things I want to be sure of is that the code I pay for is maintainable and easy to work on. I'd like to work on the app myself too and add features that are more in my wheel house, but I don't want to realize the code quality is garbage.

Have you worked on projects like this before? What do you recommend. Hiring a local developer? Working with freelancers? What range should I expect to pay. Should I pay by the hour? Or ask for them to bid features?

Any tips for me coming into this?