At this point, a house hack might not be the best option for me because the housing costs in California are too high.

Your post makes me want to run out and buy about 10 there… Or NOT. 

Unfortunately, my agent dropped me yesterday, and now I feel more lost than ever.If someone knows any TX agent specializing in Self Storage, please reach out! 

However, for me, I would do NOTHING except issue them a lease violation warning and use their uncorrected lease violation as another valid reason to evict them.

Mainly looking for appreciation rather than cash-flow. 

For example, if a 1,600 sq ft main house is appraised at $100 sq/ft, what could I expect a 600 sq ft ADU of similar build quality to be appraised for?  

I did not want to chime in, but @Shawn Regnier targeted me specifically and even reached out offline, so I guess I have to. :)First, I wrote this loooong post on tax strategies and on abusing them.

@Steven S. google Air Mac they service much of Northern NJ they have done work for me in the past and even fixed a past contractors error two. 

And when you sell it if you meet the primary residence requirements the profit is tax free.It is possible in many instances to own successful rental real estate that generates real dollars in your pocket but operates at a loss for tax purposes. 

I haven't had someone misunderstand me because I always say "100% financing of the loan and rehab costs, requiring you to bring much less to the closing table" and then proceed to explain lender fees, insurance, and title fees that are due at closing. :)