Even better if you buy 2-4 units, live in one and rent the rest - then repeat every 12 months.

Then all of a sudden I have several.

Also, if there’s a mortgage, transferring it to an LLC could trigger the due-on-sale clause, requiring lender approval.Better Alternatives to Avoid Reassessment & Save on Taxes:Living Trust (Best Option) – Your aunt and stepfather could quitclaim their interests to your aunt, who then sets up a revocable trust naming your mother and you as beneficiaries.

Also, if you think rates are coming down and a future refi is part of your strategy, then it's easier and cheaper to refi VA to VA. 

Quote from @Calvin Thomas: If it's well insulated, then the gas costs would also be cheaper.

then, there are holding costs while you rehab - servicing the loan, insurance, utilities, the rehab. 

If you're keeping it a separate studio rental and want to maximize the space, then removing it seems to be the right move - and definitely reduces the liability.

Narrow the list down then, last step is make the time and go tour them. 

Quote from @Paul LaValley: I live in Tucson and know Tucson really really well so I want to start here and then jump up to include Phoenix area. 

Then start stacking fix n flips, then MTR and LTR.