Hey Vikrant, Your STR wouldnt count for the STR loophole since its your primary residence, but the good news is the book keeping and tax situation would not be super complicated.

Here are some tips on doing comps when you do them:1. use the same bed count, go up or down a half bath2. start at a 1/2 mile radius from your target house (expand 1/2 mile each time to get more comps)3. start at 3 months back (expand 3 months more each time to get more comps)

Cross referencing AirDNA data with my property was quite accurate. 

We had already been planning to do some maintenance and repairs (repave driveway, re-insulate attic, replace two broken faucets, other minor items), but were wondering if, for tax reasons, we are better off waiting until we close on the new home and this is no longer our primary.Can this work count toward tax deductions as preparatory work on rental property, even if it's currently our primary?

They will lend 65% of the purchase and will allow you to cross with another property you own at 65% CLTV. 

if this was a rental property the gain on the property is whatever you sold it for minus your purchase price (broadly speaking)… there’re are various expenses you count against both your basis (purchase price)  and against your gain from the sale.  

We wont close until end of September so keeping my fingers crossed but wanted to share my experience.

My unit count is much less but the duration is around 50 years (combined my mom’s rentals and my rentals) without paying a tenant to leave or having to do an eviction.  

I’d also suggest cross referencing anything you order from Amazon on eBay and if negotiable try getting it cheaper there.  

@Vy LeRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.