What are tips to hiring contractor to do garage ADU conversion?

[Susan Tan]

I'm planning to buy a multifamily/single-family home in Vancouver, WA within the next year.  I do not have a construction, repair, nor any handyman skills. Some beginner q's:

1. What are tips for hiring contractor to do garage ADU conversion?

2. What are the timelines for start to finish on an existing garage-to-ADU?

3. What should I look out for to avoid getting ripped off?

4. What is your favorite way to finance a garage-ADU conversion?