These re-stocking costs also vary based on how you operate your place and what you provide.

If the loft area reasonably accommodates both pieces of furniture and still provides a living area that flows, why not?  

It protects you the most as an investor.

I work in the financial crimes investigation field, and I'm excited to connect with like-minded individuals/investors  who can provide guidance/support as I have a huge passion for real estate and financial freedom.

., work related supplies, travel, meals and entertainment) are not considered wages as they are provided for offsetting a specific expense incurred while performing a service for the employer. 

Quote from @Conte Cuttino: My advice is very basic: always hold a property unless you can sell and invest the money in something that provides a greater return or moves you closer to your goals.

If anyone could provide some insight into where the best zip codes to invest would be and also any referrals to boots on the ground would be amazing!

I’m going to shop around to some of the companies you all provided and also do some networking with brokers! 

I have a "notebook" (that's basically a file folder, in Evernote) for different types of info I want to have access to later: lender info, referrals for service providers, property listings that I come across and want to check out later, websites that have demographic info... all sorts of things.

I appreciate any insight and advice this community can provide.