Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in San Francisco

[Kristine Libby]

My husband & I are in the beginning stages of purchasing and converting a SFH in SF to include an accessory dwelling unit. We're in the excelsior neighborhood and we're converting the garage to a 1 bed / 1 bath unit.

We're wondering if anyone knows an architect who's familiar with the process who can help walk us through the permitting process (we've done extensive renovations in the past, but never in this county).

Also, would love to hear any pearls of wisdom from anyone who's renovated in SF (including working through the permitting process, anything you wish you knew before you started, regulations that are unique to SF, etc.)  

This is also our first property in SF; we're doing all the research we can re: being landlords in a very strict county. But if any SF landlords have any advice, we'd love to hear it (rent control, tenants rights). 

Thanks!