If you are single or your spouse is on board with house hacking I would suggest buying a 2-4 unit!

@Michael Chalke  I would also say unbalanced machines make a loud noise.   

Next steps in this scenario: 1) Asking the agent if the landowner specifically stated to reject offers below a certain dollar amount. 2) If the agent doesn't respond or responds with a no, notifying them of the ethics violation. 3) Notifying the brokerage of the ethics violation. 4) Completing the form for the violation with the local real estate governing board. 5) Submitting your offer directly to their client, and bypassing the agent--check local laws on this one, as well as the do not call registry, before doing so.

Are there tiny gaps between the floor boards?

A lot of plastered houses only have a 1x4 mounting boards behind the plaster, you always have to watch that when installing a pedestal sink in an older home's small bathroom.

Mom could move in with elderly person and live for free in exchange for room board and cash salary?

Make sure that you use right background check and thorough reference check before getting a tenant.I am also HOA Board President for years. 

Now I get alerts whenever a new one comes on board, along with the rental amount.

If you are looking for a more modern look, (as others have said) Hardy board is always nice.

amp existing panel)- Fiberglass wood clad windows with screens, an exterior swing door and 4 panel sliding glass door, and standing seam roof and a skylight, 2 new - glass garage doors- James Hardie fibre cement board or similar siding- Built-in casework for storage- An allowance for kitchen appliances including combination range, hood, dishwasher, microwave, refrigerator, and washer/dryer- An allowance for mid-grade plumbing and lighting fixtures (Delta, Kohler, or equivalent)- Ikea cabinets or equivalent with solid surface countertops- Assume heat pump and ductless mini-split for heating and cooling- Assume solar system to be installed on the ADU per California Solar Mandate, including battery storageWith regard to the JADU, we're considering dropping this and simply expanding the house to the basement.