Even though it was turnkey, we still found issues with the contracting work that was done and was able to get the seller to address those major issues even though it was being sold as-is.

In Oregon a business licence must list a physical address even if there is no office there and no clients come there.

Trust your gut and make that first investment.I'm here to help or analyze any deals if you need help.

Wouldn't it would be hard to link it to an address on Craigslist as the address is obviously searchable, and the viewer would see there is no apartment there?

I tell all the wholesalers that I deal with that all I need from them is the address, the number of beds and baths, and the approximate square footage, as well as any info on known repairs needed.

I'm not from California, but I knew someone local who (I thought) I could trust. 

He then deeded the property to a trust that has the LLC (officers and members) as a beneficiary (all based on advise received from multiple sources).

Work on finding the team you feel comfortable with, that you trust to be there for 10-20 years, rather than focusing on whatever the 'hottest' market is right now.

I had a friend get locked out after their college email address was deactivated, that worked for them.

I going to guess there was a trust involved.