It's a couple who owns multiple properties or manages but only one owns this property so talking to person (A) didn't help because they didn't know all the facts in terms of what they should say could or shouldn't .

this one is really a no brainer:  NEVER collect in person, as it's a waste of time and invites trivial complaints and discussions from the tenant.  

Hello, I am not an attorney, this is just my thoughts...The Notice to Creditors is part of the process that the Court requires to inform everyone that someone is in the process of 'closing' all deals that have been made by the deceased person- as is usually referred to as  'settling the estate'.  

Person A took out a mortgage (#1) and bought house in 2000.

We only met with this person as it was a recommendation of a great plumber we just used.

So, I'm hoping to find some help here sorting out a strategy that not crazy for person as strapped as myself. 

If you know who the HOA attorney is, then send that person a copy of all communications.

And you also run the risk of someone looks good on paper, in person, a total jerk.

And trying to make important decisions about investments in areas I've never been to, with the help of people I can't easily meet in person, as a first time investor, sounds like a recipe for disaster.So if there are any investors living in the Bay Area, who are investing out of state, and are willing to meet for coffee/lunch/whatever (on me), then let's meet in person.  

There are quite a bit of headaches, concerns, possible disagreements, etc that aren't worth it for $100-200 a person a month.