No special treatment for RE pro  in CA. 

The plan is to paint it all one color white (Doors, trims, etc)I'm likely to be using a low cost paint, either Lowe's or Sherwin Williams property maint. solution. 

If the Landlord is taking care of the issues properly maybe another solution would be to take the rent for July and prorate (# of days tenant is inconvenienced) a discount for August rent.

The solution here IMO, if you are comfortable with your feasibility analysis, projected NOI, and the overall project risk: is to find a partner.

I use Rent Recovery Solutions.

They are based on the contractor's, and your rant is justified. 1099s are indeed a clumsy and ineffective solution to combat unreported income, and it does create an undue burden on business owners, including the burden to inquire about your contractors' business form.The only part of your venting that I disagree with is the risk of disclosing SSNs.

Luckily, we have attic ladders for a simple and convenient solution to start enjoying that extra space you have.

What's the best long term solution for this type of problem? 

I don't claim to have answers/solutions for any of this, of course, but I am glad to see it being acknowledged and discussed here.As far as Denver- I was one of the artists moving into 80211 in the mid 90's.

The solution may not be found here but elsewhere.