40 Gallon Tank Empty Tank and a Beginner

So I've always kept freshwater tanks with much success. Now I have an empty 40gal tank. I would like to fill it with about 20lb of live rock? Add some nice coral, and stock with smaller, nano fish? I've always loved gobies and damsels. Not so much into clowns. Could anyone help me with a good stock list? Of course, I'd like to get some inverts too, if it's possible?
Yes, I know this is a long way off before I can even get the fish, I just don't have a good list of LFS around here who sell Saltwater fish, so this is just kind of a little "lookout" list so I can take note of what they've got around here.

 

If you're wanting corals, i'd look at

Clean-up Crew
Turbo Snails, Cerith Snails, Nassa Snails, Peppermint Shrimp, Skunk Cleaners, sea cucumbers

Fish
I probably wouldn't do damsels due to their potential to be aggressive.
Cardinals (Bangai) might be one to consider
Chromis
Firefish
Some of the smaller wrasse would also do well (Six Line, white belly)

NOTE: These are possible options, I'm not suggesting to stock them all.

https://www.fishlore.com/small_saltwater_fish_tank_species.htm

 

Darn lol, I was really hoping for a couple of damsels. I did some thinking and research, and I think that instead of getting 20lbs of live rock, coral, and fish, that maybe it would be best for me to get 40+lbs of live rock, fish, and a cleaner crew. That way I'm not overloading myself on my first Saltwater tank. Along with a shallow sand bed?

 

Hey, if you want damsels, go for it! They're great fish, I just thought I'd provide my reason for not getting them. https://www.fishlore.com/profile-bluedamselfish.htm
https://www.fishlore.com/profiles-damselfish.htm

Chromis are a damsel variant, but tend to be a little less territorial/aggressive.

And I don't think keeping corals is difficult, as long as you understand their requirements, and appropriately equip the tank with a skimmer and correct lighting etc.

 

My particular favorites were the domino damsels. Are there certain damsels that are less territorial than others? I was thinking, if I decided to, I could stock coral-friendly fish, then if I wanted to later, I could get some coral.

I am open to suggestions and advice, don't worry. The last thing I want is to stock poorly and have problems. I won't die if damsels don't fit into the "big picture" as long as the fish I do have are happy and healthy.