Someone told me go to the court house and get a list of foreclosed homes and go from there.

Rent court is crawling with Pro Bono Lawyers that feast on investors mishaps and slight overlooks when it comes to the legality of a rented space. 

That home-court advantage you have is huge and you should absolutely put it to work for you.If you're dead-set on California, one possibility you can look into is finding duplexes to rehab.

Now, if you do have proof that the realtor promised you something like this you could technically take them to court for it and possibly get some damage back....but the odds aren't on your side for that either. 

Looking to buy my first foreclosure. Has a rental tenant that pays $850 a month. Starting bid is $4086 which covers unpaid back taxes. Never bid on a house before. This home is actually across the street from me and t...

Courts begin with a presumption that owners generally do not abandon valuable property.

I probably will have to sue them according to my lawyer, but he wants me to talk to them first for an out of court resolve.

Are you going to take them to court?

Doesn’t change the fact that they are a Legalshield firm, with the purpose of writing letters, assisting with simple cases like traffic court, etc.Here’s what it says is covered on the LegalSheld website.  

You will probably need to file in small claims court.