The bookkeeping is good for some things like doing taxes or looking at reports of how things are performing, but it doesn't help much with budgeting and making day to day decisions for how to manage money.

I stumbled on some information about short term rental tax benefits as it pertains to lowering W-2 Income. 

Am I missing some information?

You have found the right place for a plethora of information on REI.Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersBest of luck on your REI journey.

He doesn't get to make the decision on who gets to access it.

Still seeking decision to either rent out or pull equity/sell in invest somewhere else.

Trying to consider all of the other benefits to house hacking like loan paydown, long term wealth building through real estate, learning to be an investor and landlord by getting on site experience, etc. to help me make the best decision.  

Below is some information from the city's website.

If you need more information, please feel free to contact me.

This allows me to have some basic information ahead of time and if I want to be able to set up a phone call as well prior to showings.