You could do a full MTR during the period you're gone, but for me the best and easiest way to go would be to just rent the other rooms in the house as a LTR. 

Make sure it’s updated though as the IRS will ask for it to be produced quickly.

Renting the home does not void eligibility for the exclusion but does require you to account for depreciation recapture from the rental period.

@Arun Philipnot sure if i understand your question.if you don't have any cash, period, you shouldn't be buying any more properties. 

Just a update, i bought a new build SFH in Rancho Cordava for 560K and rented out for $2900.

I bought about 65 homes over that two year period.. did very well.. 

** This is part 6 of me documenting my fun and often stressful real estate journeyThe nightmare is finally over.Today I close on my second flip ending what will hopefully be the roughest period of my investing journey.

You absolutely want to be concerned with this.I would just argue what you're concerning yourself with today may be totally different in that 10-20 year period.

But it can really help offset costs and pretty good return on investment at that value. 200k in philly puts you in Class C real estate at best, and you likely have to update it somehow. 

Insurance companies are taking a close look at building materials, quality, and updates.