A few reasons I choose to bank with them:-Very easy to set up business bank accounts under my LLCs-Option to create virtual accounts under each LLC.

There are several to choose from!

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. 

If you’re referring to the “newbies” with $10k to their name that watch a video by Pace and get excited and pay for joining, go out with their last $5k and do a sub to with a “desperate” homeowner without revealing all the possible consequences (because they are unaware of the consequences through lack of experience and lack of knowledge and or choose not to inform the seller) then I agree, it’s probably going to turn out badly for all concerned.If on the other hand you’re referring to a seasoned investor with excellent credit, significant cash reserves, who wants to add a property to their portfolio without going through loan qualifying, and can pay enough to give the seller “walking away” money because of the low existing interest rates and or, and is dealing with a informed seller, then I find nothing wrong or negative about the transaction.  

After spending 25 years as a Software Engineering and Product leader, I’m now exploring the world of real estate investing (REI) and looking forward to learning from all of you.My goal is to leverage my current investments and savings to build a real estate portfolio that will eventually allow me to transition away from my current career.

Best thing to do is think about what you want, what your short term (5 year) and longer term goals are. 

Our main goal is to ensure we’re properly protected.Additionally, should we allow pets in our STR?

It is a lofty goal with no easy path to accomplishment, but what you describe seems unlikely to accomplish the goal.Note most people on this site are RE investors.  

What are your goals for 2025?

My goal of refinancing was simply lowering our monthly spending to reallocate towards future investments.