Just wondering, would would be the safest way to sell your bitcoins? Is there any platform considered universally "safe" to convert BTC in USD through Paypal, or direct deposit or something? Thank you!
The safest way is to get your btc exchange for Fiat through any trusted exchange using security verifications and get your money in your bank account. You can have a look at bitfinex as it is reputed exchange for this purpose.
Actually there are many exchanges you can use and many of them also accept withdraw to paypal or bank account, and almost every exchange is safe enough to withdraw your money, but i suggest to use famous exchange like bitfinex, poloniex, bittrex, etc it will be safer..