@Cassidy Burns Was the property a primary residence or purely investment? 

Let me preface this post by saying I havent purchased any investment properties, only my primary residence.

One of the main questions I’ve had is should I even be considering investing in rental properties if I don’t currently own a primary residence.  

If you bought the property to flip it (primary intent - resale) then you cannot do a 1031. 

I had purchased a condominium 15 years ago as my primary residence with a 15 year loan. 

So it's a question of should I use my funds as 20% down on an SFR and rent it out as a traditional investment or should I use those same funds as 5% down (or lower) on a fourplex as a primary residence where I take advantage of the financing programs, live in one unit, and rent the others. 

Our primary home is paid off and appraised for about $1m.

Their online platform is weak, but if you use an IRA-owned LLC you won't need to transact with Sunwest very often (since the day-to-day lending transactions will happen in the LLC).  

I have a multi use property( 2 storefronts 1st floor 2 two-bedroom apartments 2nd floor) that I bought cash with a cash out refinance on my primary residence.

For example University City could be a great opportunity to AirBnB with all of the attractions and Wash U nearby but they only allow it if it’s your primary residence.