1031 Exchange Question - Single Family Home

[Stephen Marlin]

Greetings Bigger Pockets friends...

I purchased my Los Angeles single family home in 2012 as an investment as the market was at a low and figured it was now or never to jump into the market. I have been living in the home since I purchase it as my sole residence.  The home has appreciated quite a bit and I I am now thinking about selling it.  

I was hoping to maybe put the money in a 1031 Exchange so that I can buy a triplex or quad.  But I am reading that I cannot do that with a home I have been living in.

Is there anyway around this?   Do I have to make it a rental property for a year or something first to be able to do this?

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

STEPHEN