Last time a Tenant left in the other unit I gave them $100 each to find a new roommate and in a week they got one (individual leases per bedroom).

Let's just agree your target market segment is real slim on these.Now that is the case with distressed homes, but there are also 'motivated sellers' who just do not have time wait 45 days for your buyers with VA/FHA loans to close. 

State Farm also keeps all the loans they originate so they are more user friendly due to the fact they are creating a long term relationship vs. simply immediately selling their finished product on the secondary market. 

I know LA can be a tricky market, so it would be great if this agent has experience investing in their own properties as well.Additionally, I would love to connect with other like-minded individuals in the LA area as well.

You may not yet see the value and importance  in the advice I will give you ow.. but.. the best thing to do right now.. is get a killer domain name and set up a website targeting motivated sellers.

I know the agency products very well.

Money is the only motivator, remove it and you're likely to get people that stop caring.

Taxes are still high from the Kwame days and individual income has not risen. 

With 141 days on the market, he might be motivated. 

I do not hold any one individual at fault, I believe its part of the system, they are overly busy and have to multi-task quite a bit.