If I decide to go the long-term rental route, I think I could get anywhere from $6,500 - $7,500 per month.Going the Airbnb route seems like it could be the most lucrative but the STR laws in LA have me worried.

If you want to go this route I recommend using Airtable expense tracking template. 

I decided to go another route!

It is mainly because of my lack of faith in insurance having my back no matter what, that I prefer the asset protection route with entities. 

If you are wanting to get started it might be better to go an easier route with an on market property.

He's got so much time to complete his route, so he has no time to figure out current tenants, former tenants, and non-tenants.

If you are for sure not wanting to split utilities then I would go the opposite route.

But I’ll make sure I have them before signing any contact if that’s the route I decide to take over paying through a credit card.

State that you don't want to go that route and you don't want it for her either so she should use the 60 days to explore other options and find a new home.If she doesn't depart by the end of the 60-day notice, you would file for eviction. 

In terms of house hacking, I would go the traditional mortgage route, FHA, Conv or VA (military).