Primary residence to rental after move, should I?

[Dave Hurka]

I have a home I've owned for a few years. Have built up +$100k in appreciation, have about $150k in equity. It was built in the 1950's and was remodeled before I moved in. It is a single family home, and I feel like the area could appreciate more over the next 5+ years (there is billions being poured into education and Amazon HQ being built about 15-20 minutes away). I've decided to move closer to family, and have to decide what I should do with this property.

 I really want to get into real estate investing, but have yet to do my first deal. I am terrified by all the horror stories I see online along with family members consistently telling me I should sell. Is renting a single family home worth it? Selling real estate feels wrong given closing costs of up to 10% (in some cases). However, worried I'll regret not selling at what some people claim is the top of the market and then losing my tax benefits of this being my primary residence and being left with a house destroyed by tenants.

Any advice, ideas, stories, or thoughts would be greatly appreciated!