If you want to do a 1031 exchange you want have as much time as you can get before “closing” to start finding your replacement property, and hopefully have it under contract.You’ll a Qualified Intermediary like @Dave Foster to handle the 1031 part, he can chime in with suggestions.

Considering other choices, including buying a single-family house for your permanent residence and looking into different areas for mid-term rentals, can be worthwhile given your family's needs and preferences.

My current CPA hasn't been much help so I will be finding a new one.The property was purchased and in 2016 and was my primary residence with my then wife. 

Wanted to just gather some data and see where the current thoughts on the topic are landing...I'm a California resident.

Investment Info:Single-family residence buy & hold investment.

I am thinking of taking a job out of state and during that time I would like to rent out my primary residence which is a one bedroom townhouse in Buckhead/Atlanta.

I work 30-35 hours a week at an OK wage, which wasn't enough to qualify for the amount I would need to buy a property from where I am.

Investment Info:Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

There are some alternative owner-occupied options to SBA if you don't qualify for it, however it may not be the rate you are looking for. 

An "in case of emergency" contact and their relationship to them (can't be a current resident in the rental)4.