I would also have a conversation with the contractor and inform them that you will not pay for any extras that are not approved with price and terms are agreed upon first.

They know you likely wouldn’t file a CA tax return - since you live out of state - so they found a way to make sure you do.Since you are losing money, most likely you can deduct losses against income and get the withholding back when you file a CA tax return in April.Confirm this with your tax person.

What is your conversion rate on cold calls?

IGMS has live chat which is helpful. 

You can put a ring doorbell on your unit (ie where you live) and monitor it.If you are renting the other unit by the room, include utilities in the price of the rent because there is no way you are going to get one of the tenants to be in charge of it when renting by the room. 

Second, as you mentioned, I would see if the utilities support the conversion. 

Also, the state of formation is likely where internal disputes would be brought among LLC members, so if you and a partner and/or spouse live in CA, you probably want to arbitrate in CA if the two of you had a disagreement.

Be sure you are prepared for it by having adequate reserves.Part of me says that house-hacking when you don’t need to (because you could live with your parents longer)  seems a little weird… but if you are doing that to get the 3.5% down I guess I get it.  

These are apartments they are living are the worst in the city.

Newbie here - 2 weeks into my first property, I plan to house hack short-term rental (live in basement, rent main house) in Nashville.