That sounds strange, but you have nothing holding you back from venturing out of your security...because you have lost that security blanket that was your job.I would venture to say, that most of the success stories in history, started out where you are right now...me included.So, with nothing holding you back, and with plenty of time on your hands (time will always be your greatest asset...since you can never get it back), if you want to get into REI, you need to do the following:1 - Learn,2 - Learn some more,3 - Keep learning.Places to learn (before you say "that costs money"), that don't cost any money are:1 - Online education sites that have free articles written by experts in their fields.2 - Free e-books, that you can get online.3 - Joining your local REIC's to both learn and network.4 - ...and never stop learning...even when you become a success at this (and you will)Also, three very critical actions you MUST follow to be a success:1 - Always think possitive.2 - Train yourself to think of future "obstacles" as temporary problems...and you are the problem solver. 

Is it a guessing game if someone is still occupying the property and who can I contact about the property?

The BP rental property calculator should be helpful in determine the cash return on your investment.If you didn't see this past week's webinar, Brandon walks you through on things to consider as well as how to input numbers into the online calculator on BP.

The only successful buy n hold investors local to LA are the ones who’ve been in the game for a very very long time that have bought years ago. 

Then put my skin in the game by finding the property. 

You will need a attorney who knows the game . 

It has everything you need from free online videos and educational courses to having the ability to post blogs and connect with other investors, the possibilities are endless!

I have been listening to podcasts and reading various posts and wanted to start engaging in this online community.  

It was simple and quick to do the course online through WRA.  

Taxes paid in advance actually, no liens could be found through recorder online), however you never know in this world.