A professional manager will be able to help with budgeting, rehabs, turnover, marketing etc.Be there for the inspection if possible.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

These are professionals with additional training and a stricter code of ethics.

Not someone who took a few classes and claims to be a professional home inspector..I have never met a home inspector that was worth their salt, enough said on that..Jim  

Any professional will have a professional email address, not a ******** gmail one for starters.

Hiring a professional is a waste of your money.

The primary goals are to keep the properties' books separate from my personal finances while also projecting a professional image that wouldn't be accomplished had everything been in my name.

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

On the other hand if you're banking on appreciation, well that all depends on your outlook of the Bay Area altogether (many brokers I work with seem to think we're fast approaching the peak of the market).

I've found it's usually worth paying professionals (agent, inspector, attorney, CPA, etc.) to do their job.