I've also had guests buy their own TP and trash bags and leave the extra.As for toiletries, I leave the traditional "Starter Set" of shampoo, a little bar soap, conditioner, and lotion  (the tiny hotel bottles). 

- Generally no Can I write off all expenses from the trip, such as hotel, meals and travel costs like gas, or airfare?

use STR reports it's more representative of major hotel markets and hotel inventory. find hte right brand. we just did a 150 page report on one development site.

The investment in the plane ticket and hotel can pay off huge when you are able to find and focus in on a specific area. 

My dream to own a hotel one day. 

I won't be investing in the riskiest/most supportable asset subclasses such as hotels, and tilt my portfolio the ones that have historically been more stable such as multifamily and single-family housing.

A common mistake in my area is to ignore Hotel Occupancy Tax.

Quote from @Jason Phillips: Hi Steven - Sorry for the delay, but I am an investor with Goodegg (Hotel Fund and Wealth Fund II) and I have nothing but praise.

You may see more "higher end" accommodations and hotels being developed.It's a trickle down effect.

     Just a reminder to everyone doing short term rentals to check with your county to see if you need to be paying a hotel occupancy tax.