The subject of ARM versus fixed is a good thing to discuss. 5 years from now is basically guaranteed (>99.9%) chance to be a better financial time for me than now.

That might not be true 100% of the time, but I bet it is true 70% of the time.

I bet there's gonna be a lot of learning going on, but have fun with it too! 

If I do form an LLC,is there any advantage to using the name of the LLC as the registered agent (option A) versus using my legal name (option b)?

You have very limited info bet here is my best guess.

If I was a betting man, I would wager that most new note investors struggle more than they ever imagined with borrower communication.

Plus if they are there early it`s a pretty good bet that they have it somewhat together.

I feel the math with regards to investing here in Los Angeles needs to be looked at through additional lenses because of the prices of properties here versus long term tenant demand etc.

I see these types of homes all the time and have tried many times [I even paid for a "Guru" course on Shadow Inventory] with no luck.Your best bet is to mail the owner that is on the tax records and hope they respond.Let me know if you have anything to sell.

Also, to look at the appreciation rates in this area versus some of the other neighborhoods where I'd invest.