Learn the systems and what is needed so that you can follow suit. 

There's so much information out there and honestly my head is swimming.

My preference is to add a master suite in the loft with a 3/4 bathroom. $15k will likely cover everything else though.I think that's about it.

As @David Greene mentions get Rock Stars on your team and give them their swim lanes!  

I was just was wondering on what would suit me best .

One thing to think about is that if you're contemplating doing a 1031 and buying a $500K investment and then converting that into your primary you will probably make even less than you are now on the investment house in the interim because you'll be trying to get investment cash flow out of a property that isn't best suited for investment use.It can certainly work but I sense a lot of other concerns than just the desire for a $500K primary residence.A lot depends on your geography but one option would be to do the 1031 and supplement with cash from the sale of your primary and purchase $500K of investment property free and clear. 

But, you need to know what you are best suited for and really enjoy doing.

Looked at passive investor opportunities and concluded that it does not suit my style.

You are ready to flip, design submit permit plans and built to suit.

So I am looking for a single family home w/ basement suite(live in the suite, rent the main part of the house).Right now in BC the housing market is at an all time high and many people are saying it is not the time to buy.