I'm sure this has been covered in depth many times before.Good luck!!

Press steel wool  into even the tiniest of openings, then cover with spackle. 

You can have a realtor run a search of recently rented properties and you can go through the pictures and description and get a pretty good idea of what you should have to be competitive.

I also have not seen inside yet but I will be talking with an agent today to get pictures.

My recommendation is that you save up enough to cover one year of expenses because you won't make much until your second or third year, if you stick it out long enough.

The IRA will need to have funds available to cover all the improvement costs in connection with the property.

I also find that I typically help at least one friend/family member with a transaction each year (which will cover the maintenance costs of my license indefinitely, moving forward).- Yes, there is increased liability; however, if you take earning your license seriously, it doesn't take much to understand what must be disclosed, how to disclose it, etc.

If so, and they are unresponsive then complain directly (and politely) to the HOA board of directors and give them pictures.

Single family residence in Los Angeles (built in 1962) has only 1 covered parking spot, and a second cannot be added.Do I have to comply with current parking requirements (2 spots) to add a detached accessory structure for storage etc. 

If you can't do that then a HELOC is probably the best bet, but make sure that your rent will bring in enough cash to cover both loans.