It all comes down to perceptions of risk.

Now if you get to 70-90+ days then sirens are going off and it's a full out fire. 

Affordable income SFR property management can often be a brutal pill to swallow to one’s perception of humanity.

Worth area I can safely say your perception of Texas is skewed. 

As I navigate through this decision-making process, a question has surfaced: Is my perception correct in thinking that California leans more towards appreciation-heavy investments rather than prioritizing cash flow?

I understand what you say, the risk perception to invest in a developing country like Mexico is higher for investors that know this activity in a higher regulated and organized market like the US.

Interest rate (based on inflation perception or reality) changes affects everything (e.g., mortgage rates, insurance rates because of bond positions etc.)

https://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/9232/55313-intro-to-section-8---your-perceptions-vs-my-realities

The track record, expertise, and reliability of the people involved can indeed outweigh the significance of the company name.While the company name may not be a deal-breaker for you, it's important to acknowledge that in the world of real estate, branding and perception can play a role in attracting potential investors.

Just wanted to clarify perception versus reality, if you need any further explanation probably best to check the source of your motivating for posting.