Although this would cost me 15% the flexibility of not having to rush and find a property within a certain time frame is attractive.

@Joseph O'Sullivan, Yeah, the 1031 exchange is completely flexible anywhere in the 50 US states and those territories that @Bill Brandt mentioned. 

Regarding KIIN, knowing that it's a condo hotel that may not give you the flexibility of usage on your property that you probably should have as an owner.

.   ** Christie makes a good and important point that just paying the tax up front will give you greater flexibility in terms of reinvestment options. 

Like you referenced in your original post, the homestyle renovation loan, with similar down payment options and more flexibility for future investments is definitely an avenue I am now adding to my list for consideration.

Biggest part is you have to be flexible for showings or appointments.

Their tenants are getting divorced and want to break the lease, they have asked me if I could be flexible and if they can leave earlier.

I once had a call saying half the refrigerator isn't working they refrigerated all the food in the freezer while waiting for a replacement but normally the fridge is a complete failure and tenants are not that flexible.

that way I can move things around and I can be more flexible with business schedule. 

I'm very passionate about house hacking, and I think it is the best strategy for any investor just starting out from college since you have the flexibility.