According to what I've read, a local SQL account must exist on the SQL server with sysadmin rights
Aside from the original efforts to actually install SQL Server on that machine (which does require some type of account with local Administrator rights, and that account will automatically be granted membership in the 'sysadmin' Server Role), Patch Manager has no interest in LOCAL accounts on the SQL Server system. If you've read something that says Patch Manager requires a local account with membership in the 'sysadmin' Server Role, I'd be interested in reviewing that information.
Yes I was mistaken. I read the following two articles and now realize that the second one doesn't pertain to the remote SQL instance Thanks for pointing that out.
What SQL account permissions does Patch Manager require
Requirements for the Patch Manager service account
My next step will be to verify the bi-directional communication is functioning as it should be.
Thanks again for all your assistance on this and your quick responses.