There's no way around it'; local economy does not support prices enough even if it's all outsider economy then infrastructure does not support.

I would love to have a support of a group who knows what they are doing as I plunge ahead in my real estate investor dreams. 

Quote from @Logan Manthey: Contact support@biggerpockets.com to ask your question.

Specifically, something where we as agents could network with each other, vendors who support our business, and also investors in the BP community.

I think my main point, which you’re experience lends support to, is that while there are below market deals out there, it requires a continual effort of being “in the market” and looking at 100s of deals to negotiate the rare below market purchase.  

CA's Secretary of State forms list the name and address of either a manager or member, so unless you're hiring a third party to serve as manager of your LLC, anonymity is very hard to achieve once filing publicly in CA.As to the probate part, you're right that going through a court probate is a huge hassle, including being expensive and time consuming. 

A link to FilePlace is at the bottom of every page, making it easy to find.If you have technical issues, email support@biggerpockets.com, and someone will help you.

@Jason Stofer if you don't have a support structure to tap into... the unhappy answer is that there is no short cut. 

What are the markets that support your goals and ROI expectations?

It's a "rigged" system of consumer psychology, the monthly statement payor system.