We have probably 50+ Schalge Encodes we manage. 

You could hire a project manager  and source your own subs  . 

Has anyone found any decent single family property managers that manage in Oildale?

I will essentially be managing the entire property/collecting rent and my friend will not have to lift a finger. 

Sign all documentation as manager or member of LLC7.

We can help you out with offmarket aquisition and Property Management in Cincinnati , give me a call to see if we have answers to all the woes you had with your previous PM companies you used , or if you are new to investing in cincinnati we can start from basics and help you put as well

Does the construction material (frame, vinyl siding, etc.) matter?

Conversely, how does the fact he's managing it on a day to day basis contribute?  

I'm curious, Is this PM out of touch with reality OR on how rental property owners, that don't self-manage, feels?

I personally don't like STR's because they are more of a business than an investment(in my opinion).You didn't mention the amount of hours that you and your spouse work but I would have to assume it be between 1900 to 2200 hours assuming you work 48 weeks and between 40 to 50 hours a week.If you buy a STR and self-manage it, you are added 200-300 hours per year in additional work making your life more stressful and less time to do things that you enjoy.Best of luck.