Hello fellow Bigger Pockets members.  

PM me dates that you will be in.

I see properties in the county's list, but their tax sale dates are not strictly on Tuesdays.

Welcome my fellow Californian, great to have you here.

I do have a couple of recommendations for you though; Ask the listing agent ' Is there anything aside from price that the seller would prefer to have in an offer,' such as Specific closing date, or a lease back so that they may find a replacement property, etc....I have found this to be a very effective way to extract some of the seller motivation.

Wholesale the best deals, take the good listings and pass the rest to fellow agents for a fee?  

So, your 13+ month option is construed as a sale from the option date unless you can pass the tests of the deal not being seen as a sale agreement, that needs to address intent specifically. 

The place is dated and would need some cosmetic updates. 

Personally, I take dated and time stamped photos of our work, require signed contracts and change orders for work to be performed and text or email any important information relevant to the projects completion all in an effort to document just in case.

I would add in that you can buy on the date of their choice.