Selling would likely trigger capital gains taxes (unless you lived in the property for two out of the last five years or use a 1031 exchange).

BECAUSE THIS IS HOW THESE PEOPLE EARN A LIVING, BY SELLING THE TARDUS PRODUCT.  

Quote from @Allison Cutlip: Hi all, My boyfriend and I are buying our first home that is a duplex, planning to live in one unit and rent the other side.

Focus on having a budget and having a strong financial base EXACTLY I started RE sales right at 18 when I my license saved enough in the first 14 months to buy a home to  live in.. 

Unless you have the rentals paid for by the time you retire, they aren't going to be enough to live off of. 

The first year was challenging meaning had a tenant but not saving, it was just making my living expenses cheaper.

I assume you’ve got a loan that says you will be living there.

ARV 900Total reno was 170k Appraisal $399.00 Shut off valves $95.75 paint $300.18 Commeercial enzyme cleaner $72.09 Water activation fee $51.38 shut off valves $38.52 Kilz restoration primer $275.66 Kilz restoration primer $150.33 Shower tile-Master.

If I were new I would simply stick to areas close to where I live.

We have Clearwater, Saint Pete and Indian Rocks beaches that are hot spots for STRs.