My main question is whether it makes more sense to go the seller financing route and pay off the principal in 8–10 years or stick with a standard 30-year loan.My thinking is that the tax deductions from a mortgage wouldn’t outweigh the potential equity I could gain over those 8–10 years.

Some thoughts to consider:If you sell now, you are unlikely to pay capital gains taxes as your first 250k (500k if married and filling jointly) aren't reported.Doing your first rental remotely is undesirable without 1.)

This type of property tends to gain value quicker than older properties.Best of luck in your search, let me know if I can help.

If not, it's important (although not absolutely necessary) to have experience to gain their trust. 

Although the study may increase the gain, the gain may be taxed at a much lower rate making it a beneficial investment.If a property is purchased with the intention to flip or own for a short period of time (less than 3 years), a cost segregation study may not be significant.Overall, as long as you intend to hold the investment property for greater than a year, the benefits of a cost segregation study should be considered.

@Fulati PaerhatiA 1031 exchange is a powerful strategy to defer capital gains taxes and grow your rental portfolio.

I have not lived in the property two years and feel that any profit I may make on a sale would get chewed up by closing costs and capital gains. 

After five years you'll have earned $90,000 in rent income and gained $34,000 in appreciation.Buy four houses with $50,000 down on each.

They get a higher return since they are covering housing cost, have the $250k per spouse primary residence deduction in gains, is a savings account, higher leverage position, lower interest rate possible, will pay more premium for location, etc.House might be overpriced for REITs but not for home owners.  

I wish I could say that I'm venturing into real estate investing for some benevolent purpose like providing low-income housing for the needy... but financial gain is certainly my angle lol.