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

This is not a team sport.

Just got off the phone with another DIY landlord looking to hire a PMC.
They really didn't like our response to their question, "How long does it take you to find a tenant?"
#1 they were uninterested in hearing abou...

(This includes character attacks as well.) 

You have not documented these incidents, nor have YOU informed your tenant this behavior is unacceptable.  

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

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). 

Ask another as well to make sure. 

@Jonathan Blanco, I'm and investor and a licensed mortgage broker so I've been on both sides of this conversation.I would look for a lender that (1) listens to you and understands your strategy and needs (hint: it's not always money), (2) has experience working with clients executing your strategy and brings more to the table than just cash - be it advice, relationships, deal-team partners, etc., (3) gives you viable options and explains the pros and cons of each option and (4) you enjoy interacting with - this should be a relationship, not a transaction.Once you find a few lenders like this (and you should have relationships with more than one), then you can start comparing rates and fees.

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