Hey @Nick Gallon Martin, I recommend speaking to a Tax Planner/CPA, @Jeff Nash would be a great resource for you.

I recommend buy a primary home where you want and invest where the numbers make sense.

Generally speaking, I would not recommend STR in West Sacramento, however, we'll see if that changes with the A's coming to town :)

I have a 10x8 shed that I use exclusively to store real estate materials and supplies.

—it’s also about reliability, attention to detail, and someone who just “gets” your space and your guests’ expectations.Do you have any hidden gems, local recommendations, or tips to share?

Any specific neighborhoods you recommend looking into—or areas to avoid?

Feel free to DM me if you'd like more insights on all this (we don't do biz in Alabama so got nothing to lose).Here's some other "copy & paste" advice on how to search for a better PMC:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

I do not recommend someone who has never owned real estate to do a fix and flip as real estate is challenging and cost prohibitive, I recommend if never owning real estate to start with an asset that does not need major repairs. 

I would very much appreciate any recommendations.

Being passive I would not recommend owning real estate.