Has anyone had any luck on finding a list from a different source or directly through LA County Registrars office.

If he is licensed, pursuing this through the state registrar might help out.But just getting lien to 'go away' for the lender is probably not going to work.

I've looked at the registrar of deeds in my county (their website) but I can't search it the way I'd like (by looking for "notice of default" or "lis pendens."

My wife is unemployeed and in the process of going back to college for a degree towards Cancer Registrar.

They are usually listed under a single address in the registrar of deeds as well with a secondary address attached to it.  

You can also look at the registrar of deeds in your county for an example of one that has been recently done.

I have had nothing but problems for just about everything related to them (except basic registrar features).If you want the El Cheapo option, I would actually recommend Dreamhost.  

When you are working with your registrar and choose the type of redirect, make sure it's a 301 (permanent) redirect. 

Sex offender registry.Count, city and state arrest lookup.Inmate search.County civil record search.Several other websites that search for infractions.Google.If they have an address in another state, city, etc, I check there for criminal activity as well.I talk to their last/current landlord and check tax and registrar of deeds to make sure I am talking to the right person.That is all before I even think of running their credit.  

Of course check your probate court, or search for "Orphans court" or "Registrar of Wills" your city/county.