Previous landlord can't release details about someone for which I don't have a signed authorization.

., a industry specific cal center and "boots on the ground" (an individual who is local to the property who can perform the needed onsite tasks).

Instead of hiring a property management company, I would prefer to work with a trustworthy individual that can also do regular maintenance and repairs. 

You could wait for a correction that never comes as well or one that isn't as steep as you expect, it is probably better to base your decisions based on the quality of each individual property and its current value.

There is no small scale development available to individuals.

Just trying to connect with like minded individuals in my area.

I am a very motivated individual that got into this business head first!

De'Andre,you can contact office of @Amanda Han, she is nationally owned author and speaker, works with real estate investors and based on Southern California. 

Besides the traditional government authority routes, I really liked @Lee L.

I spoke to them and they will deny payment the payee is past 30 days if I authorize them to do so while starting the foreclosure process.Good news I’m from there, get up there often and have a network.