If you are buying as an investment property, then the loan will clearly state that you CANNOT occupy the property and the terms and down payment are less favorable than an owner occupy loan. 

I am a licensed realtor here in Los Angeles, don't want to deal with the exodus of insurance companies and difficulty getting insurance and keeping it after a claim, tenant landlord laws being heavily in favor of tennants, exorbitant property taxes and minimal RTP among a few other factors with these being the most inspiration to take my money out of california.  

II  The LAST thing Biggerpockets needs is someone telling others its OK to do illegal stuff (as long as you can .. interpret the law in your favor).

Now I've requested the move out photos they keep referencing but have not received any and I don't believe they have to provide those, I'm just worried that if I do take to small claims court they'll end up coming up with photos, etc. to be in their favor.

Do yourself a favor and put together a solid package of documents (title, copy of deed, deed of trust, note, etc) and pay for a couple of hours of consultation with a real estate attorney BEFORE you do anything. 6. 

Today they advised dissolving my CA LLCs in favor of 2 Land trusts and 2 WI LLCs.

The legal system is heavily stacked in their favor and if you have issues with them you will have very little recourse if any..

Hard money lenders are going to give you favorable rates the more you work with them, but the rate should be factored into the deal margins as its mostly out of your control. 

It could either disappear as an opportunity or come back later in your favor or at least with the leverage you should have. 

@Evan Johnson do yourself a favor and definitely set up a chat with @Logan Laperriere!