If I pursued the 1st strategy, how common is it for local/regional banks to make residential loans to LLCs with personal guaranteees?

I think that's a great strategy, as there doesn't seem to be a lot of small multis to compete with in this region.  

You may want to compare it to a commercial loan from a regional bank.

But your experience with the biggest one will still be only as good as the regional or local rep assigned to you.Track record, references, demonstrated experience over the long haul, and personal fit with you will steer you to the right QI. 

I would check with a local/regional bank.

Which would be the better option money centers, regional banks, small banks, or private lenders? 

Hello,My name is Rupert I am a Register Nurse from upstate NY, Hudson Valley region.

So, Rancho Cordova, Carmichael, Citrus Heights, Fair Oaks, West Sac, and all the other cities and unincorporated areas of the county would be unaffected.This seems like it would make a crazy distortion in the rent marketplace with only part of the region having rent control.

Since you do have it in an LLC have you talked to regional banks in the area? 

In my opinion, in this region, any property that rents below $650/month is a good deal when the income meets or exceeds 2%/month of the gross amount invested.