As you allocate your budget, I'd suggest factoring in a decent portion for interior design/furnishings and amenities.

You'll probably get some good ideas here, but I'd suggest talking to a real estate attorney soon and maybe run some of these ideas by them.

I've heard people in this forum suggest that you treat them all like animals.

Suggestions like driving by the houses weekly are silly, such trips serve no legitimate business purpose. 

I'm in escrow on a small multifamily (4-unit) in San Diego and wondering if anyone has suggestions for great property managers in the area.

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What I would suggest is also consider investing in an area that you could drive to as well. 

It may be out of state, so you will have to determine if that is something you are willing to explore.It isn't always cut and dry as some suggest. 

Think there is some substantial validity in this, but do you think it could potentially be utilized in a different fashion?

Strongly suggest scoping out GA, TN, OK, PA, AL, IN, etc.