I finally have to cut my loses and send the Pay or Quit notice. 

I haven't called employer's or landlords yet on them because, if I'm going to deny on credit score or the credit report, than it is cut and dry.. right?  

You should be able to run an utility knife on the edges to cut splines then pull/scrape them off.

In my market utilities are rarely included, so my thought was if I am going to have the utility bills in my name anyway (house hack), then why not become more marketable of a unit because of this and cut out the chase for the extra payment each month.    

That leads to fewer maintenance costs and longer occupancy.Each of those factors will absolutely effect the long-term performance of any property - not just a Turnkey property.Lastly, if you want to just cut straight to the chase about returns,  expect to lose 50% of your rents annually and reflect out over 10 years.  

I’m just thinking about cutting costs as much as I can at this point, because we are almost over budget on this rehab.

The most important question for me that I would ask at the end of each of the interviews was "is this a family style brokerage, where everyone helps each other out and wants everyone to succeed, or is it more cut throat, in which it's every agent for themselves?"  

Those in the lower price points are production oriented they do the same cut and paste from previous projects on various elements. 

Where could I cut costs?

As far as I know Susan is by the Big Bear Elementary School and Tracy won't be an option.I got quotes from all brokers I was referred by local professionals and contacted other local brokers I was able to find online, but looks like Big Bear companies want a good cut or have no providers to write in the area.Also still shopping, but what works for me is when searching "vacation rental insurance", in the results companies like CBIZ provide great and better coverage for less money compare to local brokers.Need to call around because looks like it could be different for every house located in different areas of the valley, meaning what works for Jared may not work for Susan because they are far apart from each other.If any other short-term rental insurance agencies see the message and feel like they can provide us all with a reasonable policy, please join the conversation, would be glad to see you in here))