Hi this is my first post so please be gentle :pI've started researching investment opportunities in Big Rapids, Michigan near Ferris State University. 

I work as a legal secretary and want to support my "art habit" (as well as my retirement) by holding onto rental properties, and probably living in one of them in a few years.  

(Even if it were to ever happen, you couldn't just "do away" with them in Michigan since it's based on a provision in the federal tax code.)From everything I've heard, NAR actually supports 1031 exchanges (more business for them). 

It's at walking distance from the University and a brand new hospital that will also serve to educate the new doctors.

Is there a way around selling or ways to get support?

Is there a way around selling or ways to get support?

You would have to owner occupy the new property per FHA requirements.If you want to buy a new investment property using conventional loan, then you can do it at any time, as long as your income supports it.

Don't forget to consider things like HOA fees, state income taxes, child support, Medicaid, code violation citations, municipal liens ...

I actually work in a university maintenance organization so I have access to guys who are licensed in HVAC, plumbing, elect, etc and the HVAC guy recommended to match everything up. 

I seem to recall your desire to continue to buy within a short distance of downtown Seattle, have you considered taking a look at student-oriented housing by Seattle Central College/Seattle Univeristy/University of Washington?