Government is not a nanny fascist controller of any "housing supply".

I had rodent control remove them, place a cap on the chimney, and seal up a hole in the siding that they had used to enter the attic.

For example they understand rent control. 

@Rema W.Have an open and honest dialogue about how this is going to play outMake sure your tenant understands what the rules say and how they workDescribe in detail what happens when the requirements of the law are not metDo not let the tenant control any aspect of this scenario- especially if they have a record of late paymentsBe fair but firm

So back story on our house- when we got married- her parents (who used to be in the rental property game) sold us one of their previous rentals for dirt cheap as a fixer upper starter home.

You have very little control, but yourdecision on property will be the most important of the wholebuild/buy process.

For STRs... what's the best way to gather the data on utilities, pest control, pool cleaning, general maintenance, etc...?

Often time they burn the soil in a controlled situation like a incinerator. 

Hey BP community, I have a question regarding a 1031 exchange with my parents.

I could rent it out to a family like I've stated, rent it out to college students (assuming it is in the right area) with the requirement of a parent's co-sign for damages, or utilize it in an 1031 exchange strategy as a last resort.