We shied away from it after numerous attempts to get a hold of the association and doing some more intel on the area. 

I'm looking to get started as soon as possible, currently I'm attempting to learn more before I fully do so. 

The court will not award late fees, but you can still report and attempt collection for them after the judgement. 

I agree with that Tyler  but also it's bad for economies in long run  http://www.businessinsider.com/does-rent-control-w...It actually reduces the housing stock.They will be voting on increasing rent controls in a year in the state legislature, also on ellis act and are attempting to repeal prop 13 if we don't get active. prop 13 http://www.dailynews.com/opinion/20170407/in-pover...more on economics of rent control:http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/there-is-never...

I would also not attempt to do it out of state, unless you have a very trusted partner in the area.Second, there is the value of your time.

This is my first attempt at a house hack, so advice is much appreciated!

I attempted to double the size of an existing project and my project ultimately went belly up due to my contractor knocking down the existing home.

I assume that the bank will repossess the house and sell it for a loss after an attempt to short sale it?

Would I be better off contacting the real estate agent that has already shown the property or should I attempt to contact the bank itself? 

I called someone to patch it and he was unsuccessfully after several attempts.