b) How do they (Cali Govt) deal with the damage, both in terms of who gets the blame and also where do they get the money?

Insurance doesn't cover anything anymore and we can almost just pay for all damages with the money we spend on it! 

Tenant covenants and agrees to pay interest at the maximum lawful rate or eighteen percent (18%) interest, whichever is less, compounded annually, on all unpaid Rent, damages, and other amounts owed by Tenant, excluding late fees, from that date of Landlord’s final accounting until such time Tenant pays all such outstanding amounts.

Lol, every single time I've decided to do the painting myself........about halfway through I am regretting it big time......my body hurts, it's mind-numbingly boring (I think that's why painters have the drinking/druggie reputation... :-)

They'll probably also want to be sure that you are competent to operate the property afterward, because their reputation is tied up in who they do business with, and it's bad for everyone if the property becomes devalued.

Then things went south...I decided to gut the rest of the basement since it got water damaged from the foundation issue.

This is a practice by some less than reputable companies.

As I explore the neighborhoods in NW Philly, any suggestions on reputable agents with experience in those areas? 

If the animal is a nuisance or causing damage, you can have it removed.

If a storm damages the roof before you begin, but a new roof was in the budget, you've lost nothing.