The goal would be to maximize return on both units.Thank you in advance for your time.Chris

Any suggestions on that to maximize those or should i keep with my model?

I am considering putting in LVP throughout to make it appear larger and in hopes of maximizing the rent.

But I would put maximizing income over the other items you listed.  

You could go a couple different ways.Talking to a lender early is important to make sure you can maximize your buying power.Meeting a few real estate agents first (especially ones that specialize in helping you start investing) is a good idea because they likely have lenders they work with that have proved they are good at what they do.It can go the other way as well.

It should be driven by maximizing occupancy.

It is ok however, you can maximize that by doing a Cost Segregation. 

That's the whole point of doing serious upfront due diligence based on fundamental economics and not tax gimmickery.People who routinely buy loser properties at grossly inflated prices believe in that wonderful old maxim of:"I lose on each property, but I make up for it on volume".

I soon realized that to maximize profits, I would need to buy better (flip/hold my own deals and wholesale deals to others) and find more/cheaper money (I need to build a network with private investors/hard money is expensive). 

If you are looking to maximize cash flow as a strategy to use to build up your portfolio, STR is a great way to go.