Even a garage conversion will be significantly more than $100k. 

Most are 'ancient' conversions of larger homes and are not very nice.

I'm not even sure what type of evidence the city needs for amnesty, since the whole garage conversion was done unpermitted/undocumented by the previous homeowners.

Is the "will you please work with me on the rent" conversations be 1/20th as frequent or 1/20th as long or 1/20th as dramatic? 

I'd seen and been part of several conversations regarding single-color-paint-schemes, and I liked the look and idea of doing it, but after talking with my brother-in-law who owns a successful painting business, and my father, who owned a successful painting business, I decided to abandon the single color scheme.The primary reason behind our choice was what you mentioned.

However, for the rest I am looking for potential solutions to this situation.”Directing the conversation away from the fact that California is very tenant-friendly will cost you a lot of money @David Lamb.Does the property fall under the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO)? 

If I understand correctly, and if the IRS regulations have not changed over the time of this conversation (since it started 7 years ago), we could (and please let me know if I am on the right track):1.

Last time i called the city inquiring whether garage conversion if triplex was allowed, I was told only SFR’s was eligible for ADU addition.

Do not have telephone conversations.

If you'd like to have a longer conversation.