I imagine I want to use a local bank, local lawyer, and local management company (last is obvious) to the property (as an out of state investor).Do you get all these people in line first before making offers and finding properties or do you identify the deal first, then find the above along with the inspector, handyman, contractor, etc?

I owe $492,000 to my mortgager and an additional $65,000 for my renovation loan, which I used to replace the electric, HVAC, windows, solar system, lights, and fans.

Does anybody know a quick way to find cash buyers and contractors?

You could make the tenants paying the electricity their responsibility and require that the bill be placed in their name(s) on the lease.

Looking for recommendations for a general contractor in San Mateo, California who has expertise in building a multi-unit.TIA

It was completely rehabbed inside out (plumbing, electrical, floors, bathrooms, kitchen everything) in 2010.

You will work as an independent contractor which means you will have to pay self-employment taxes out of your own pocket for the money you make. 

It is not possible to estimate repairs without knowing more about the property and to estimate it reasonably, you (or your contractor) need to walk it.

Would a proper comparison be rehabbing a house yourself vs hiring a contractor?

Verify the contractor's insurance.