.- Selling could yield $400-$600k, mostly tax-free, if sold by spring 2025 while within the 2 of 5-year capital gains exemption.Options:1.)

Mentorship and joint ventures are excellent ways to gain experience, and it’s essential to start small, communicate clearly, and build trust.

The plan aims to reduce living costs, gain landlord experience, and move closer to long-term financial goals.Good luck!

If you pay the surcharge of 2.5% that's $3,750 so you net a gain.  

Rather the equity than the taxable gain.

I am not afraid of the answer keep saving and I’m truly interested in any advice I can gain from everyone here!  

Not giving tax advise, so check with your CPA, but I sold a rental after it was my primary for over 2 years and as long as it was considered my primary residence "2 of the last 5 years", I did not have to pay capital gains on my property sale up to the IRS limit. 

You will have to do something unique to make it effective & useful to you... because it's always no pain, no gain!

I thought all 30 year mortgages require only 12 months occupancy.It seems to be a lose-lose since the lender loses the interest on an otherwise good loan if it had to be sold, and they gain nothing.  

Other options could look like a property closer to you or in an area you are more familiar with, could be turnkey options with an established company, could be partnering with someone to gain some experience.