1. Unknown
2.Smell shouldn't be a problem unless you get a strong smelling strain, hopefully there is some wind,but not too much.
3.I don't think they should be TOO obvious. Especially just 5 or 6 plants, you might want to do 3 or 4 if you are paranoid for lower chance of them being seen.
Strain....hmmm... Northern Lights Joey Weed Seeds check that out. NL is pretty potent.
I'm plating a plant outdoors too and I too live in the LA area, after the grow is over I might post pics as a grow log. It would be cool to see our grows in comparison.