We live, office, and Property Manage in Queen Creek and love it!

The wear/tear is much less for STR because the guests do not live their full-time.   

It depends how long you plan on living.

In Florida where I live that amount is the first $50,000 for a married couple are exempt.So to put all that into action, let's say the previous owner paid $100,000 for the property 20 years ago and lived in the property.  

Living in one unit and renting out the others allows you to deduct 75% of expenses like mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, and shared repairs as rental expenses, while the remaining 25% applies to personal use.

I know in Philadelphia if I had a 2 BR house it would be viewed favorably by tenants who are seeking 2 BR living situations because most inventory will be apartment style living and for this reason would achieve a rent premium.

Financial freedom isn't simply about replacing your current income, because inflation continuously drives up prices, making a fixed income insufficient to maintain your standard of living.

Not tracking.You're going to live in one of the units? 

I have 1 partner who provides up to 75% of the down payment, however, my goal has always been to live below my means, save money, and invest the saved money as a downpayment. 

You want to focus on areas where you have a competitive advantage (you have lived there or you have family and friends there) and then compare those areas against widespread list of great areas to invest.Good luck!