No personal income or tax returns are required.

No state taxes, high appreciation, Economic and Job growth, Population growth, etc. 

An appraisal fee in advance for an actual appraisal is legitimate, but you can find lenders that don't require appraisals and don't charge appraisal fees.

However, I’d like to have a space of my own before living with others again (I plan to house hack again with my next property).I’m seeking advice on how to move forward, as I need to consider things like utilities, taxes, landlord/umbrella insurance, and managing the property, especially with someone renting my garage.Specifically, I’m curious about renting out individual rooms and living on my own for a little while.

The first is that there's no consensus between tax professionals, and the second is that you will not like my personal interpretation.My interpretation is:Until the property is "placed in service" - everything goes into basis.Illustration.You buy a property July 1st.You finish rehab November 1st and put the property on the market.Your tenant moves in January 15th.The property was placed in service November 1st, and it does not matter that the tenant did not move in until the next year.Everything paid between July 1st and November 1st, including interest and utilities, goes into basis.

You could look into forming a C Corp as an alternative way to own this property that could affect your tax returns differently, I am not a CPA or giving tax advise.

Avoid basing it on uncontrollable factors like taxes or insurance.

The sum total of taxes of each of the 4 units will usually be higher than if it were apartments.

Quote from @Michael Overall: Good day, If an investor has 10 rentals and wanted to over time sell them and put the money tax free from a 1031 toward a large purchase is there a process to do that? 

If you're still looking for a CPA/Tax Strategist in California feel free connect.