I've heard good things about Nebo Realty as a low cost broker option.EXP has more recently been a broker of choice due to the MLM pay structure. 

As you probably know, a tenant cannot remove items that are attached or fastened to the building....like sinks and ceiling fans....that is unless they had them installed themselves...But as @Glenna Wood said, it's probably not worth bothering to go after a tenant like this....just lick your wounds and move forward.I bet you screen the heck out of the next one, eh?

If you are concerned about material choice get an estimate from your roofers that lists out the exact materials they are using and then if you want to question them or ask them to change materials you can do that. 

Your easiest bet is to buy an unfurnished home/condo on a 20-25% down investment loan, then just furnish it and run it as an STR.

What is my best bet for a loan/lender here?

Most of us have been faced with those choices at one time or another.

Any advice on what the rental market is like in Redding and whether that’s a smart choice in this hot market?

Best bet is to find someone you want to work with and get on the phone with them so they can get more info about your situation and find the best loan product for your goals and situation.Make sure you get your files together:Tax returns, business and personalmortgage statements for each propertyProperty tax statements for each propertyInsurance declaration page for each propertyBusiness entity formation docs P&L of your income and expensesGood luck!

Refinance and put that money towards as many purchases as possible seems like your best bet towards being a full time investor. 

I am thinking doing lease options is my best bet to getting started.