Regarding checking account access, all members can have access to the Operating Company LLC finances.

You don't need an attorney but do need a registered agent (there are several companies that act as registered agents for different LLCs).

If its in the city where off street parking is a huge perk and it has a legal curb cut then I would keep the garage in most cases. 

You are paid for the year so if they crank up a legal escort service in there, you are not getting them out.Besides the fact that it always means they don't qualify by standard means, it means giving yourself no way of getting them out.Side note, some international renters are used to renting a year in advance as it does work this way in other countries.

In my experience they really are a great company to do business for.  

If often more that they are abandanoning the property to the government because there is some type of constraint, i.e. there is a street light oddly placed in the middle front part of the parcel, there is a creek or wash (which means environmental permits would be needed), there is lack of true legal access, zoning problems, etc. 

I’m thinking of taking my friend up on a 25% interest promissory note for his company just so I can cover the $2k/month interest I’m paying on this equity cash out.

This has been happening for decades with Cali companies relocating to Texas.

This city is experiencing rapid growth, with many large companies planning to move to the area in the next few months, which will result in an influx of new residents and a wealth of job openings.

There was a space in the basement we debated making into a legal 3rd bedroom (this was only 2 beds which did make us sweat some), but ultimately decided that the juice wasn't worth the squeeze.