I spend a lot of time on the assessors page but I feel like there is more information that I can obtain from that site that I haven't learned about yet. 

Could I put the land under contract (Is this the same as obtaining interest in the land via an option)?

There are some business/commercial banks who will lend you up to 80% but the terms will not be as favorable as 30 year fixed Fannie/Freddie money.It sounds like you have an opportunity to obtain up to  70% on the 2nd 4 unit.On primary residence there are opportunities to obtain up to 80% on a first loan and combined with a 2nd line of credit opportunities to obtain up to 90-100% of your home equity if you so choose. 

-If licensing is required, will a regular RE agent salesperson license suffice or does one obtain a Brokers license (lengthy application period)?

How to obtain capital, ways to prepare the property for use, and being able to recognize who may be a good tenant.I think that as time passes, and my knowledge is broadened I will be able to point existing and future members into right direction with REI, and especially to give advice on the niche market I will know.

Currently, I'm in the process of obtaining a HELOC, which combined with a cash on hand should net me around 100k to start.

Go through the hassle of getting with the city to try and obtain a list of the tax delinquent properties with balances from 2015 and beyond3.

Is there anyway I can obtain a business name to open a bank account under the business name without paying the $800.00 per year here in California  for an LLC?

Once she obtains that, she can work on her own, and even hire other agents. 

If you live in CA in want to compartmentalize your assets and obtain anonymity, the DST is the only way to go.