Thank you so much for your responses!

My final decision is the following:

2018 NOL - waive the election to carryback

The 2018 NOL would generate tax savings of 2,300 if carried back, but utilizing it in 2019 by carrying it forward generated tax savings of 800. This makes the net tax savings about 1500 with respect to the 2018 NOL. Given the risk of opening up 2013 to audit, and the time to file 2 amended fed and California tax returns, I think its best to waive the election.

2020 NOL - file form 1045 and generate new tax savings of $1200 with a minimal fee for my services

The 2020 NOL is another story! It can generate tax savings of $1200 without having to amend any returns. I am going to prep the 2020 return in Proconnect as planned, and then mail in the 1045 to claim a refund for the 2020 NOL being carried back to 2015. 

Ive gone back and forth and wasted time trying to make calculations etc. and estimate my time - being newly on my own, this is just part of the learning curve of owning a business. I greatly appreciate your feedback and advice on the ruling as I was not interpreting it correctly from the start. Thank you!