My resources may not be the best when it comes to what the market leaders are doing...Cheers!

•Are there any specific resources or tools you recommend for market analysis?

There is a significant difference between being awarded a judgement and actually collecting any money.   

I don’t have a lot of extra capital each month to invest in large-scale real estate opportunities yet, but I’m motivated to build up my resources and experience.

For collections in Southern California, try Sutton Law Center or California Judgment Enforcement.

We expect to continue to acquire properties as a group.At the moment, I've been collecting recommendations on suitable attorneys. 

We have lots of automated processes - All online rent collections, inquiries, signature requests, and late fees.

How much time should I realistically allot for application/background checks, walkthrough, paperwork return, deposit and first rent collection? 

Besides Ben Mallah, what are some other resources that I can familiarize myself with to understand the current valuation and the trends? 

Meeting that 2 in 5 of the last requirement allows a single owner to shield $250k of appreciation and a married couple to shield $500k.Unless you predict a lot of income from the MTR or you feel that there is a lot of appreciation incoming over the next three years (minus time get the property sold), you may want to consider collecting your $100k (passing GO) and redeploying that money to whatever you feel is its best use.