I am just starting some research on the area and wondered if anybody could give me advice on what areas and Zip codes to avoid and which offer the best fundamentals.

I am very far away from apartment developments, heck I am struggling with the possiblity of building a fourplex and the changes from standard residential construction needed (IRC vs IBC codes), but curious.

You can wait for the 20% off coupon for Lowes or Home Depot and stock up using that, you can usually find one online that may not have a valid bar-code but can be taken to the competitor where they will match it.

Does anyone have recommendations regarding finding multi-family property owner information in Alameda County (California) regarding tax delinquencies, code violations, and out of state owners (perhaps arrest records and probate as well)?

You might want to create Distribution Account code in your accounting software. 

I'd also inquire with the city or local government for any code violations or history with the property. 

I have a question about LA County, I found a property that is zoned LAR-1, with the code use of being religious, church, or worship purpose.

Looks better today - on my laptop on WiFi and not at home this a.m.

Look up the zip codes/cities and see what information you can find.

Read article 83.56 part 3 of your state codes.