One question for the community is: What are the next best steps I should take to further educate myself and get started in this industry to set myself up for future success?

Selling at FMV avoids the gift tax but provides your child with a higher tax basis, reducing their future capital gains liability.A better strategy for selling below FMV is to sell the house at FMV on an installment note, then forgive interest and principal annually up to the gift tax exclusion amount.

An independent Fannie and Freddie has the power to incentivize/create lending products necessary to boost the future housing stock.

- Regardless of sale now or a 1031 sale in future years, I would like to take the equity into new real estate opportunities. 

As a PM myself (in California) I take pride in my leasing contract and screening process because that removes so much headache in the future.

Go out and start making your future come into existence. 

Quote from @Patrick McCann: Hi Justin, I'm also a househacker in NH currently living in my duplex in Dover, NH with plans to search for my next one in the near future.

Be careful about the advice of others when it comes to your RE investing future. 

Thank you for putting it out there and potentially saving someone else in the future. 

I go to Japan almost every year -- the demographic future is not positive.