This could lead you to believe another state would be preferable but it is my understanding that CA will want the $800/year even when the LLC is OOS.  

We're comfortable with that though as we want assurances that their financials are healthy.

It is generally just to assure the lender that the property will cover the loan value in case of default.Now if you want an appraisal to put a value on the house for legal reasons, like a divorce sale, then I would tell the Appraiser the specific situation and request that he/she give to a true market value on the property.

Networking with local landowners and attending real estate meet-ups or county auctions sometimes, folks prefer a direct sale to an investor over listing with an agent.

Any preferred vendors for this and recommendations on the best way to set this up? 

To me it seems like an incredible pairing, someone who knows and understands to tools available and has the professional ability to leverage those tools not just for tax returns BUT also for tax planning and strategy.I'm a Stessa Pro member and in talking with the pro support team they do not have any preferred CPAs/vendors at this time.Does anyone know of CPAs who know the system?

Rest assured; the process is designed to be straightforward. 

For time horizons of 5 years or less, I usually prefer something safe like a HYSA or money-market fund.

@Brienne Metcalf, I prefer to have leases.

Much prefer the American album cover though...