In researching this, it appears that the auto-conversion may be on a bank-by-bank basis, and would depend on the HELOC product you have chosen. 

Before that it was primary residence since January 2019.Do I need to sell it this October to avoid capital gains tax to qualify for 2 of last 5 years exemption for capital gains (up to 250K single, 500K married filing jointly)?

@Patrick Fricchione, You will not create any tax consequences simply by converting the use of a property. 

The question is, what date is used to qualify the year of holding to avoid short term capital gains tax?

Cost segregation is not just a short-term relief from taxes, it can be a powerful tool used to optimize your portfolio.WHAT IS A COST SEGREGATION STUDY?

I also have heard that if you sell a home that is inherited through an estate you are not taxed.

With this knowledge, it seems as though out-of-state investors are analyzing markets that have great job growth, high appreciation, low unemployment, low taxes, but are still "affordable" compared to standards in more expensive parts of the country.

I asked my accountant if I can deduct anything in the property like depreciation and he said since nothing is in my name tax wise I can't.

Consider long-term goals, market trends, improvements, tax benefits, and flexibility.

Not a lawyer or tax person or anything.