It looks like the answer is no, so I will proceed on this assumption.Secondly, you need to choose between two other goals:minimizing your current taxes orminimizing your future taxesIf you choose (1) - then you're looking to maximize contributions to your non-Roth accounts: SEP-IRA or 401k.

It is the listing agents duty to maximize their clients’ bottom line, so damn right I’m going to let everyone know who has showed interest there is an offer before it sells at a discount. 

I understand that I could go out and start buying more houses right now to maximize rental income etc. but I don't want to manage anything else or at least not in the foreseeable future, but I'll still have $300k to work with if I change my mind after paying my house off.

Make sure your tax person is leveraging every advantage for you in terms of depreciation schedules on furniture, maximizing your involvement as an "active RE investor", etc, etc.Finally, as you build your team of PM, cleaner, handyman, etc. make sure you retain a fair amount of control.

Use 30-year loans to maximize your cashflow while your tenant's rent pays off the mortgage loans.  

Screen is distorted when you maximize or minimize it.

So many options, find your passion and focus on maximizing return, but there will always be some sort of work required!  

I would say if you want to move eventually, yes, planning to maximize the 500k exclusion is wise.

We also implement rental auctions to maximize rental income on each property.

At this stage of your life/career, your best bet is to maximize your savings into liquid assets (ETFs should be you go to option - Vanguard, Fidelity or Blackrock).