After operating the STR for the first year can we turn the STR into our primary residence for 2 years then sell and avoid capital gains tax and depreciation recapture instead of doing a 1031 exchange?

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment in Orlando area.Currently under contract for a single family home that we will be utilizing as a short-term rental.

My wife and I are still in the 'learning phase' as real estate investors, but we know for sure that in the next year (a) we will be converting our primary residence in to a rental, and (b) buying another house that will be our primary residence for 1-2 years so that we can qualify for an owner occupied mortgage.

My husband and I currently reside in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.  

Since they have been good residents, they can stay as long as they like, but we are not accepting applications for new section 8 residents. 

From what I gathered, most folks getting to a million that are younger are in a random business of some sort, then placing money in RE assets.

I know on resident leases you can add a new addendum on the lease at renewal time but our management agreements don't expire they continue forever essentially unless either party gives a notice to terminate.

The house was purchased for $200k using a HELOC from my primary residence and part of my savings.

There are so many options out there that bring technology to properties that residents would rather interact with, like texting, etc.

I am an active duty service member residing in Beaufort, SC.