I'll then list my properties on the high end of whatever I think fair market rent is.

Per fair housing regulations, I can't answer this question. 

I would only hire out for major work I can't do myself or emergency repairs.I've dealt with older houses before and the house may be fine for occupants but there's still usually lots of things that can be fixed / improved so it seems a house that isn't perfect would give more opportunities for ongoing maintenance of this sort.To me it seems fairly straightforward to meet the time requirements but I think I need to have extensive documentation?

Some fair criticism for sure.

Fair point! 

regarding AB 2424, how would they determine fair market value?

Hi @Andrew Freed, It is fairly recent, it has been about a year and a half since it passed. 

If they are VERY professional, they will have their processes in writing as verification that policies are enforced equally and fairly by their entire staff.6.

So we go into this house, and it's a fairly small colonial with a decently renovated kitchen for the time (around 2002).

Perhaps I should take a fair amount of time (1-yr minimum) to build up enough capital, and make repairs.