How old was the fence and is it wood, metal, or what? 

We chose a metal roof, which costs less, and used the same general contractor to do 90% of the other REHAB, which cut labor costs. 

and a metal recycling collection.

Ask yourself as you go through the process " Do I look like a Hotel".....Definitely buy your cooking stuff at a Goodwill or similar plates, glasses, silverware, Etc can cost a ton brand new and there is zero difference between new and used...it's metal and glass. 

Her suggestions were to change out the chandelier to a bronze metal type fxiture and add a sofa sectional on the deck, off to one side, so it can be seen but doesn't block the view.

General Liability (for Bodily Injury & Property damage)3.

They supposedly sitting on top of the green metal elctrical box which I think is the pad-mounted transformer.

Precious metals, art, commodities and many asset classes of real estate.

And secondly, in a case for example, where I have 2 applicants, that both are equally qualified financially, both met all of my written rental standards, etc; how do I choose out of the 2 and what would I tell the one I "rejected"?

The metal roof wouldn't care about the heat held in the insulation.