Generally you go with the strictest ruling.With that said, it becomes a risk play.

I guess an appreciation play would be the only thing that makes sense over here.

Play with numbers and today interest rates to see if it makes sense for you since you’re locked in with a good low rate.

This plays into your relationship with the contractor - and I can tell you first hand that most investors don't want to sacrifice any of them.

You’ll live rent-free in one unit while the tenants cover the mortgage.Here’s the play: do it for 12 months, then repeat each year for 3 years.

Then there's misaligned incentives players in the construction industry may make more money the longer a project takes to get completed. 

RE is a long term play.

Although I probably get killed on transaction fees which is part of why I am not pulling the trigger (along with lack of time to execute well).There are games you can play for increasing your returns in the stock market (sector rotations, rebalancing, being a good company picker) but you lack operational control. 

The fed's cut will be too late and they will be playing catch up, as defaults and Job Layoffs continue to mount. 

You're not playing  landlord anymore, but can make some $$$ if/when you need to.