my key question was around trustee for these land trusts. i can work with the specific legal company to have their trustee initially, and then have a resignation deed which designates me the successor. should i do all this or just have myself as the trustee from the start itself?

I work with out of state investors from CA in the Reno Tahoe, NV area.

If the political influences are different in a state, they will see very different trends than bay area. 

If you can find a solid deal or house hack locally, do it, but just beware of the fact that CA is not a big landlord friendly state.

If you have an agent that can pull closed rentals, along with calling a few PM companies, that would probably give you the most up to date accurate pricing.

As Gino stated, I think the biggest challenge will be financing with negative cashflow.

You will need a minimum of 740 and DSCR above 1.20 AND not every state will allow 80% level.

To avoid escrow delays and tenant upset, I decided to stick with the prior management company.  

I did contact the company that made it, but they just replied that the CD is not available with the audio version.

Contact title companies in your area.