It will take a long time to get anything close to what you'd save on taxes selling it before your primary residence exemption is up.

I wanted to have a spot to rent out and cover the monthly mortgage payments while securing a small spot to have for myself in the next 30 years for when I no longer reside in Charlotte but want to visit friends, or downsize.

There are foreign national programs with 25% down for single family residences and 30% down for 2-4 units with a $100K loan minimum.

If your purpose is for legal protection I would consult an attorney.  

Key steps to protect yourself as an Oregon landlord:1.

Is there anything I can do to protect my investment?

I kept my first house as a rental after I moved out and bought a new residence. 

Long term i would look to 1031 the property into either my primiary residence when i start a family(i rent now) or a better deal.

You will need to completely cover all new flooring for protection as well. 

Some other areas may attract influx of residents from other states who find triplex on very small lots attractive. where do I find that data?