Building for seismic zones is actually not all that difficult.

Were waiting to see how things are by the end of July here in CA (heros act ect) to see if we can serve her then, but even so, I imagine it will be difficult but I will mention this time him and see if theres hope lol.

I’d love to hear from fellow self-managing landlords about the biggest lessons you’ve learned along the way—whether it’s handling difficult move outs, maintenance strategies, or unique ways to streamline day-to-day operations.

In all honesty, it will be difficult to collect anything from the tenant after they move out and you cannot force them to stay.

Add the difficult exit and your investor pool is very limited. 

It's difficult to see how a tenant will be after screened and signing a lease.

I understand I cannot legally require them to respond, unless the notice specifically requires it, like for instance, a notice of entry, but it's making it difficult to manage the property, and I'm not sure how to proceed.

What you want is an agent with experience who knows how to negotiate, watch your back, navigate difficult situations, understand contracts and law, provides an objective cross-check, etc.

If they are difficult, the current landlord may not give you a straight answer because they want them to find a place and move out.

CA is an expensive market and regarding tenant laws in my eyes more complicated/difficult as a rookie landlord.