To expand on the Menards 11% off - I found out about 6 months ago that home depot will price match that and send you a gift card for the rebate: www.homedepotrebates11percent.com/#/home

We currently have a gardener that comes weekly for $150/month that mows&blows + a little shrub trimming here and there.

I would go back and see just how much actual time you spent working on the house or with contractors or going to Home Depot.

Lots of receipts (Home Depot, Lowes, AC) fade over time and scanning them shows the IRS audit agent that you take care in preserving records.

(yay urban living)  then creative things :  i am wanting to maybe put bike lockers in, a community garden, etc.  

I worked at a service station after school until closing and painted houses, roto tilled gardens, etc. on weekends, or in cold weather I shoveled snow when I could. 

I know a good lender that specializes in ADU financing...I suggest reaching out to her with these questions: Meredith Stowers at Loan Depot.  

Located in Garden Grove, California.

You need to network find a handy man that is good and fair priced .I have found some folks at Home Depot ,might go to the Pro desk ask around ,

@Nathan Williams you did not mention what neighborhood you are looking in but you should know that sewage in certain areas around Drexel Gardens are serviced separately by the Ben Davis Conservancy District and that bills will automatically be sent to the home owner as listed with the county assessor.