I’m considering asking that when it’s closer to the time of the lease expiration date 

You'll likely want someone that can handle A to Z with marketing, pricing, cleaning, maintanence, decor, websites, reviews etc.

Now less than a year later, the property is being sold as a duplex and everything on the city and county’s website said duplex.

For example they won’t tell me my estimated completion date even after 14 months under contract.3.

There is a free web site you can list your section 8 rentals on. 

Enforce the lease; it's a cheap date through their auto insurance company...and get proof of it.Landlord should be "additional interest" not "additional insured"

A great blog catches their attention, encourages them to visit your website, and introduces them to your services.If you’re running out of ideas, here are a few blog topics that could work well for South Ontario Windows & Doors:"5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows" – Help customers identify when to upgrade."

On public websites, I see some options to acquire a duplex in central Los Angeles under $550K which would require at least another $50K of work if I do not outsource most of the labor.

I would keep the deposit unless I am able to rebook the dates and then I would only make her pay the difference for any unbooked nights. 

I provide my application and screening criteria on my website so applicants can look for themselves before spending any money.