After hearing about, and personally encountering some horror stories of disagreements between homeowners and contractors, I am wanting to establish a clear contract to use with a new general contractor. 

You will buy a specific property, in a specific location, in a specific city subject to specific local rules and regulations.

Installing thermostats with regulated heat control (we pay heat) 3.

And have a established relationship with a long distance provider. 

Perhaps it is hard for people from the states to understand - but the rule of law, and clarity in regulations etc really makes it so much more attractive than other places where you never know what new policies might come into effect forcing you to take massive loses etc.

There's a lot more compliance, regulations, and other protections that many brokers do not feel comfortable hiring just anyone. 

Either would be a great option; I'd probably choose Roseville because it's more established, but the City of Elk Grove deserves a lot of credit for its impactful growth programs, so it wouldn't be a bad option. 

I would get 3 months of 1v1 coaching from an established wholesaler every week and access to their “proprietary software.”

Eliminate debt, establish a budget, and save.

It was built in the 2010s and located in an established neighborhood with convenient access to schools, amenities, and major transportation routes.