Need help on how to obtain records from 2020 showing his old tax lien was released.

Not sure if interesting, but my buddy just launched a tool to help find off market properties across the US based on tax delinquencies, probate, pre-foreclosures...etc. the moment the information gets published from the municipalities so you're the first call/email the owner receives.Happy to connect you to him if interesting!

There may be some gurus that say you can avoid capital-intensive purchase and rehabs, but they would be the kind of owners that are OK being slum lords.

My questions are: Are they any implications (tax or otherwise) to my friend or the LLC?

Just wondering if newly weds can still qualify for the exemption and if my wife not being a citizen will hinder any capital gains tax exemption qualifications.

Title companies would do these types of deals.The ones that may not be insurable are the ones that were sold at tax deed sale, that you would need to first talk to a title company about.

I prefer to be the GP and control the assets with my post tax dollars since it's my field of expertise vs becoming a private money lender with preferred returns but no control on performance. 

@Anx Carter Your safest bet is to have your CPA/tax professional determine the land value.

Do I still have time to start an exchange with a qualified intermediary or am I better off just paying the taxes?

At least for LA, SF, and SD, the whole city just about falls into those categories in some regard unless you are way out in newly developed suburbs or something.In my time around LA, there are definitely some places I would avoid and some places I would prefer to own an MTR.