A DSCR refinance can also allow you to take some cash out if you want to use it to put down on another investment property and when you close simply close in an LLC.  

I am also in the engineering field (Civil and Land Survey).

I’ve been part of the BiggerPockets community for a while, but this is my first post.

Check the forum for Events & Meetups and see if they have any in your area.

I was thinking that the very thin hard carpet could serve as a sound insulation layer, and just installing click together LVP right over the thin carpet and the thin hard stick on tiles. 

Any tips, strategies, or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Go to GET STARTED > EVENTS AND MEETUPS at the top of your screen.

You’re going to deduct your tax prep, your internet, your cellphone, your computer, your tablet, your mileage if you’re involved in the properties, your home office, etc etc.

I'd simply ignore them.

As for the rest of it, you can find a lot of useful tips on past forum posts along with podcasts and youtube material on the topic (BP and other RE sources).We've self managed STRs for a few years.