Hi Rob, Welcome to IIS, I have found everyone really helpful and knowleageable.
I am still a noob learning my way, which is half the fun and frustration. It does add sense of excitement to locate a new objects or view certain things in a different light.
If I had to choose from the scopes you have mentioned, I will lean towards to the 10inch as the view I found was a jump up from the 8inch. Even better if you can swing a 10inch goto dob or locate a second hand one. :0 The skywatchers are collapsible which may help with space issue.
The only experience I had with the Celestron Evolution 8inch was a fellow amatuer astronomer had one in the country with us. Unfortunately it wouldn't play nice with the connection from his phone to the scope. Ended using the scope manually rather than the auto alignment with the phone controlling it. Also it dew really quickly as well. Hope it helps, M11