For that tenant, only used it for rent collection. 

For example, an agent would collect a reduced commission, flat transaction fee, or no commission if the buyer sources an off-market deal directly.In your case, if you'd like to compensate your agent, you can include it in the loan.

If they can and are willing to provide ACCEPTABLE proof of their hardship, we may give then a few extra days (not weeks) at a step in the process.There is some merit to Jeff's claim that he is doing the work of 5 people - but, it won't take 90 days to go through everything.

You collected 60 months of rent while only investing $2,500.

There is a significant difference between being awarded a judgement and actually collecting any money.   

We expect to continue to acquire properties as a group.At the moment, I've been collecting recommendations on suitable attorneys. 

How much time should I realistically allot for application/background checks, walkthrough, paperwork return, deposit and first rent collection? 

Meeting that 2 in 5 of the last requirement allows a single owner to shield $250k of appreciation and a married couple to shield $500k.Unless you predict a lot of income from the MTR or you feel that there is a lot of appreciation incoming over the next three years (minus time get the property sold), you may want to consider collecting your $100k (passing GO) and redeploying that money to whatever you feel is its best use. 

For collections in Southern California, try Sutton Law Center or California Judgment Enforcement.

Starting small and scaling up is a tried-and-true path, and this community is filled with people who’ve walked that road and are eager to share their experiences.Feel free to ask questions, share your wins (and challenges), and tap into the collective knowledge here.