I am currently whole saying and representing an investor client in the SoCal area so I find this topic very interesting.

Your lease should say something like "...access by landlord, his/her associates, representatives..." which means the contractor or handyman you sent in are an extension of you.You should work towards putting together a team of people you trust. 

(CA probate law)Since there's no will someone will have to step-up and represent the estate as PR.

If they represent one investor, they likely represent more.

You'll need to do open houses to find potential buyers to represent, so plan on working every weekend.

If I don’t hear from you in the next 10 minutes, I will assume you aren’t attending and I will move on to my next appointment.Using this system as dramatically reduced any wasted time I used to endure as part of the showing process as well as giving me data about their timeliness/responsiveness/respect for others' time.At the showing, I collect their completed application (sent via PDF prior or filled out on premises), scan their photo ID and last 2 pay stubs.Then, I do some digging around online (social media, court records, Google) and if it looks like they are representing themselves to me accurately, I contact them to set up a "contract to hold" meeting - usually the day after the showing since qualified applicants need to be "closed" ASAP.

2) When I open the account, should I have an up front conversation with a credit union representative about my investing aspirations and desire to get a future loan?

You'll need a deed from the Personal Representative of the estate of the spouse who passed away last.

The larger the agency, the more insurance carriers they will represent. 

I've never heard of the court imposing a restriction on how much you can pay a lawyer to represent your case.