We have education in real estate principles, real estate law and real estate finance.  

I will not comment as to the tax laws and underlying rules - that is a discussion you can have with your tax advisor who presumably you are paying to help you.What I will do is provide practical and business guidance on tracking time.Firstly, there are apps available that can assist with time tracking where you can specifically detail your time, who you met with, etc.

I have a son in a similar situation, he went 6 months trying to get decent work and had other issues.

The impact of not having F/f financing is large (>10%) if the appraiser recognizes this potential issue.  

They were a law firm who hunts class action suits to go against companies. 

The snow companies that are good can be really pricey and we have had issues with some of the smaller guys in past.

The issues really happen when it's just R.E. agents begging for some $, pitching "I can do that too" and in reality there in breach of NAR codes because they don't have proficiency and expertise in it what so ever.

Quote from @Joseph Gozlan: No, California laws kill California malls...Here in the Dallas metro, retail is thriving!

There's a good chance the issue(s) you face has already been discussed and answered.Ask questions in the appropriate forum.

By house hacking, you're immediately positioned as a landlord, which will adequately pressure you to learn how to structure your leases, screen applications, collect rental payments, resolve the nuances of managing tenants and addressing property issues, etc.