What is your optimal sleep schedule?

That depends on the person. People have different sleep needs.

You should avoid chronic sleep deprivation. If you find yourself sleeping excessively on "days off", you are probably not sleeping enough most of the time.

How much water do you need to drink a day?

Need is a strong word, but having water accessible most of the time and drinking to prevent thirst is usually ideal.

Avoid feeling thirsty by drinking water, and drink some water before meals.

Is there a certain diet you stick to?

I've been a vegan for all of my adult life and a large part of my pre-adult life.

However, being a vegan isn't enough to maintain a good weight: vegetable oils, flour, and sugar are vegan.

A whole foods based diet (vegan or not) is usually the best foundation for a healthy diet.

Eat single ingredient foods and drink water and you will avoid most of the dietary pitfalls which cause weight gain in the first place.

How much do you exercise and does that play a role in your lifestyle?

I used to be very active at my job, but a change in life circumstances has removed that from my life, and that is when I gained weight. I used to exercise religiously for strength, but I stopped after getting the aforementioned job. I am now trying to resume strength training.

And is there a way for me to be held accountable?

That can be difficult and any accountability is voluntary (ie, even if you hire someone, you are still free to do what you want).

Like is there a system or app where I can get a weight loss training buddy to compete with?

I keep a food journal and periodically check my weight. My "accountability" is a basic commitment to avoid regressing. Even if I loosen up my diet, I will not go above my set high marks on the scale.

I plan on starting these new changes on the first of July

Start them now.