Even the LADWP is a pain to deal with and anything electric can linger for months if not years in this cityFor that reason, i would recommend to absolutely avoid any interaction with the city unless you do really heavy work that would have significant impact on the appraisal like maybe adding bedrooms and bathrooms or adding lots of square feetThe current system doesn't reward doing the things by the book; you actually will be way ahead doing things on your own and just comply if you get an order to comply one day (very unlikely anyway).

But I would be circumspect about how I requested the records (need them for personal research project), how the information appeared when disseminated (all indications that it came from the State would be removed), and how I phrased my interactions with property owner's who were identified through use of public records (I'd never mention that the owner's identity or address was obtained from the State or County, only that obtained the information legally at considerable cost).

Keep up the interaction and keep asking questions.~ Rickey Rod

Your brand messaging and how we interact with sellers.

I live here, invest here, and probably couldn't even name half the neighborhoods, none the less provide an accurate description of if you should invest in a specific pocket I don't currently interact with. 

Welcome back to BP (interactively) lol.

I realize I could offer cash for keys, but having interacted with this tenant, I don't think thats very viable, and if it is, it ain't gonna come cheap.

I was fascinated by my interaction with this absentee owner and I think the connection we had excited me about being the first person he wanted to sell to at a “discount” because of my timing on the phone call.

Also really helpful to know that it was text heavy and not as interactive.

I’ve learned a lot so far on Bigger Pockets and look forward to more interaction with you all.All the best, Mark Doty