I'm looking to purchase my first property with my fiancé (both 25) with the goal being to establish our primary residence together, as well as giving me the opportunity to add equity/value via rehab before moving on and converting the property into a rental within a year or so to kickstart an investment portfolio.An interesting lead that recently came up is my parent's neighbor's house.

You'll want to look at their reviews from owners as well. 

You will find that some real estate professionals are well versed in investor real estate and others are not.

If I were in your shoes, I would put together a pro-forma for your project that includes projected timelines and returns over time for both strategies (I'm assuming you mean SFH for sale - if you're also considering Build-to-Rent SFH I'd add that analysis as well). 

I have heard of "bigger pockets" through several books I have read as well as podcasts that I have listened to.  

Any areas in Sacramento that worked particularly well (or didn’t)?

Well...

My client's have been happy with the draw process and response times as well.

All and all, make sure to do your own due diligence when using Paperstac as well as others because the info can be old and not up to date.

They want someone who is going to treat their employees and their customers well.