You report your total revenue from all sources and then deduct your cleaning expenses for income tax reporting.

Lots of options here. 

There is an education option in lieu of the experience to satisfy the broker licencing requirements in California.

They are considering their options, looking at the market, probably starting to realize market rents. 

What are the best options within the city limits as a rental strategy?

What are my options to cover the $100k difference to still get this house with 0 down?

Noah, I would call the local officials and ask them for your options.

For multi-units the tenant is responsible for pest control for their unit unless a pest control company deems that another unit is the source of the issue. 

There are better options. $3,000.00 is lower than I have heard people say they have paid. $8,800 to 11,000.00 is more realistic because like most guru's they hold back key components unless you pay more for them. 

To me sounds like something an amateur would do who is trying to save a few dollars hiring the cheapest vendor option out there.