The rest is super easy.I won’t minimize the importance of vetting the property.

. - You're minimizing how much is coming out of pocket when closing arrives. 

Talk with the developer there and let them pitch you. 

My mortgage is around 1200 and average good shape and expenses are very minimal.

The work here is minimal, but it does require someone to be available 24/7.Has anyone been able to successfully outsource this part of STR management?

How would you structure a deal so that the private money could cover the down payment and fund the rehab in order to minimize money out of your pocket and being able to pay the private lender off when you refinance? 

I'm assuming Sacramento might be a little more landlord/investor friendly and you wouldn't have the ADU issue and rent control with 2 units like I would.As far as OOS investing you're going to get a lot of agents pitch their markets. 

Doing the project ourselves has deem more cost effective, therefore minimizing our rehab cost.

I think $2500 is quite fair if it's a two-bedroom home in questionable repair, which it may well be.your response shows your knowledge of CA rentals is minimal.  

He has tons on real estate investing. with a strong emphasis on tax minimization and asset protection.