Play dumb, ask questions, and try to gain as much info as possible before choosing a contractor. 

Contractors that specialize in ADUs are all over LA too (and here on BP).

My partner and I keep an excel spreadsheet of rent, our purchases, utilities, taxes, insurance, and money spent on contractors.

It's amazing how cheap it can get when you're paying physical cash and having your contractor pick it up at the warehouse.

Well anyone can write anything into a contract, but whether it is legal and enforceable is for the courts to decide...It is State law here that a contractor must call 811 or they are liable for the costs.

My wife is a Top25 Realtor in Ft Wayne, I'm a licensed contractor and home inspector.

Most recently was able to get my general contractors license.   

Type Line Item Fee Fixed Fee Collected Rents 10% of All Collected Rents New Tenant Search & Onboarding $600 Variable Fees Business Hour Service Calls $90/hour + Materials Cost + Tax After Hour Service Calls $120/hour + Materials Cost + Tax 3rd Party Coordination HVAC Cleaning & InspectionGutter CleaningSpring/Fall Exterior CleanupSeasonal Mowing & Weed TrimmingSeasonal Snow PlowingGeneral Contractor Negotiated Vendor Cost + 10% Oversight Fee  

Contractors come next week! 

Also try looking into subdivision if possible.If you need a decent contractor/gc to consult with, I can connect you to my partner in the area.