My rough strategy is buy SFH (older but (semi) recently remodeled B- to A- properties in good areas likely to continue appreciating and attracting good, trouble-free tenants) 0% down VA (may consider a small amount on second property, like up to 3% just to speed things along) and stay in it as my own primary residence until at least 10% of purchase price paid off and able to cashflow 300+/ month after mortgage, taxes, insurance and 15% set aside for repairs, vacancy, and maintenance (like I said, I'm not overly interested in rental RE, so I want to be sure it's lower effort and worth my time in return).

HelloAny tax savvy people / cpas out there want to help me out. 

It doesn’t protect you or give you tax write offs.6.

Combined we are making about 250-300k annually pre-tax.

property taxes?

The major con is this tax implications (much higher), but you are closing.

I like the idea of investing in Vancouver Wa. for the tax break, but I know little of that of that city too.

My thinking is that a house for me has little tax or financial benefit while investment property does. 

We file K-1s for each cell at tax time.  

Real estate specific tax law is very complicated and dynamic.