Registration fees $800+ SOI $50 fees California and legal stuff-keeping it simple-easier to refinance a SFR if decide to just BRR and cash out refi in my personal name versus trying to get loan in LLC name. 

I think hard money lender to take this risk cannot legally charge appropriately which means the law is working against you (the law meant to protect owner occupied owners from unfair loans).I agree with @Jay Hinrichs that your best option likely is to sell on the mls.  

I own a duplex in Clermont, FL just outside of Orlando and initially wanted to split water meters between the two units, but the cost and amount of work were higher than expected.

In CA, you are legally required to have a CA LLC if you are "conducting business in CA".

It couldn't hurt to call a couple attorneys right away to see what they say in terms of cost and suggestions for dealing with this quickly.In terms of mitigating any legal issues with your tenant be sure you are documenting every conversation you have had with the HOA in terms of asking them to make the necessary repairs.

Should I stick with my partners for the initial flips or go the hard money route?

I have an idea of an initial investment and returns I would like to hit, but would love to speak with those of actual experience to see if my numbers are realistic.

I'm looking to sell my first home, which I've been renting out for the last 2 1/2 years -- I first contacted my property management company  for seller services, and they initially wanted a year exclusive selling rights.

I work with a lot of househackers and they're typically on the 12 month cycle, rinse and repeat.While the proposition of acquiring an investment property outside of your market in a "landlord friendly" state may sound appealing, i would recommend you stay local for now and househack another couple of properties over the next few years until you've got some more time / experience under your belt.you would need a management company to cover your property that is outside of your market which would not only take 8-10% of your gross it would also leave you a bit vulnerable to a property management company that you A.)know nothing about and B.)you won't have the experience or cashflow or proximity to deal with any headaches that may arise.i would recommend staying local and househacking your way along for now and then maybe hire a local property management company initially to work with your current/local properties to get a taste of what to expect if and when you begin investing outside of your market.

Penalties of these Federal charges may include:30 years in prisonUp to $1 million in finesThey have a "statute of limitations" - (with a third "T"  ;-) of 10 years from the date of the transaction - 10 years from now, you could get a very nasty call and hopefully, you put your reserve money in a good account that grew to cover legal expenses**********************************************And the universe could blow up as Doc says in Back to the Future " But, granted, that's the worse case scenario."