Well, usually if you manage to get the item exported and showing up, the only parameters left to check would be things like axis location, reset Xforms, and so on.
New 0.9.3.0beta version is available. Another huge critical bug fix:* Crash on item selection Please, if you discovered a bug let us know, it's very important
Depends on a couple of things, but first and foremost, does it look good. Technically, no, you don't have to. If you want your item not to have straps, then don't do straps ^^
You have to have the rig to bind your items to. Some of the rigs on the workshop page are out of date so decompiling can get you a 'cleaner' file to work with.
That food is looking good. Though for some of the items that have fuzz, the diffusion of the light along it's extremeties feels ever so slightly off. More plastic than rind.
The shell is almost done. I'm finishing the rest of the doors and working on the big kitchen items (fridge, counters, cabinets, etc). After that I will be cutting out the areas for the windows.
I wouldn't know what options there are in Vancouver, but Seattle has some Play It Again Sports shops that deal in second hand athletic items, including fitness equipment.