Hello Doug, I am not a real estate attorney nor is this legal advice.Unless someone's state has specific laws banning contract assignments you should be fine doing the following.  

Quote from @Frank Flores: For a rookie with low investment capital, what investment strategy would be best for me at this time?

Would that be, for example, if the PM says, "I manage a duplex for John Smith in Turlock," then I call John as a reference, ask John a few questions, and then ask John the address of his duplex so I can later look it up on the county website and verify if he is the owner?

It has a lot of features that I simply can't write down all together.Zoho SalesIQ it integrates with your websites for real time chat supportZoho Workdrive, this is a Google Drive alternative except Zoho gives you 5 TBs right of the bat!

Have done this with my own previous home.

This is critical.

Good you are researching this topic - I also love subject tos and have written a book on the topic.  2. 

I was just on their website looking at the permit process:CityofSac-STR PermitLooks like 90 days max until you get a conditional use permit but still reading as it seems a little unclear:A short-term vacation rental may operate from a location that is not the operator's primary residence for a total of 90 days in a calendar year.

Just trying to help is all I’m trying to do. 

;-)I am starting to read books, audiobooks, and this site to builda basic understanding of RE investing in 3-6 months.