Another idea would be to visit other construction projects occurring in your area whether it's residential or commercial and gain information on the contractors they're utilizing. 

However, by the time we wrapped up the rehab it was practically the holiday season which is typically the "slow" period in Metro Detroit for both sales transactions and renting properties.

I think you need at least $10,000 in reserves, or bare minimum at least enough to cover a month and a half of rent, utilities, and any unforeseen maintenance issues per property.

When it comes to property type, SFHs typically have higher appreciation potential but require more maintenance, while condos and townhouses can offer good cash flow and lower upkeep.

The market is smaller than that for STRs and it typically takes longer.

I have been looking for a home in Southern California... which I do not want to go the typical route because of competition and also my tax returns are not so friendly to conventional lenders.  

I'm trying to decide between renting the basement as a long term rental (and figure out something with the yard and utilities), do a short term rental like Airbnb or Furnished finders and give upstairs a utility credit, or leave it up to the current tenants to sublet it on Airbnb or find another roommate (so I don't get calls about tenant disputes since they will have chosen them). 

There are some differences for sure but I don't think they are substantial.3) What laws should I watch out for (for example am I allowed to have the water/electricity be under the tenant's name) - You can put all utilities in the tenant's name, but I would advise keeping water in your name since that utility is a lien on the house itself.

The broker has expenses he needs to pay, no doubt - rent, utilities, etc.

House hack your first deal utilizing your VA loan.