I also want to learn about other types of investment besides real estate so if you have any suggestions let me know. 

By then I expect to have a clear plan so I can move into action.

So you would either need to learn a lot about how to be an awesome STR operator and you would probably need to put into your home $20,000 to $100,000 in adding furnishings, design, and adding amenities to make the property desirable.

I own a single family home in Socal that my wife and i currently living in.

But keep in mind room rental is a lot more management intensive so that is something you should budget for if you plan to hire a PM.

@Kyle Carter, The strategy you're looking at would be what is called a "consolidation exchange". followed by a conversion to your primary residence. 

But this can be used to sue you if you don't properly disclose so I would disclose everything 

So you wouldn’t get any depreciation on your new purchase assuming you only spent the $450k.

On Zillow, we simply call it #A with the same address.

So there payments are $200 - $400 dollars under market.