You do a 1031 to a new, larger property with even more depreciation.

When I said size doesn't matter as much I meant for STR you don't need massive rooms, larger common areas, etc.If you went MTR you might go further away from RTP and go for higher bedroom count, for less appreciation on average.NOTHING about this post is gospel.

I was in a similar position a few years ago, but fortunately got married and our combined incomes helped us qualify for a larger house hack.We're on our second one in NOVA, Alexandria to be exact, and instead of rent by the room, we are renting out our walkout basement on Airbnb to monthly guests.That said, we have a number of friends doing well with rent by the room across NOVA, though they're purchasing homes with 5+ rooms or finding homes that can be renovated to include that setup.I'd recommend attending meetups such as the one I cohost, NOVA REI or Cashflow Breakfast Club or any of the others to meet those who are house hacking.

They have larger offices with more agents to network and learn from, training meetings, etc. 

A freak.Those who own larger commercial deals, I would venture to say 1% or less maybe?

Larger multifamily deals may require you to be physically present for closing, but at that point is a better question for your lender/ title company. 

I'm wondering if, since the plots are connected, I can move some of the square feet from the larger one, so that they're both over the "6,500 square feet for lots of record" threshold.

Larger company -- tried to escalate to the owner. 

That is for larger companies or for disgruntled clients or relatives looking to help.Per diems only work in theory.

This person did not raise any money, they invested around $600,000 into the offering and because they were one of the larger investors were considered a Co-GP because it was a new sponsor and they needed this persons $.