For me it usually turns out to be another state.

My long term goal is to 1031 exchange a portfolio of residential investment properties (ideally all multiplexes, but probably some 1-2%/mo sfrs) into a larger commercial property, ideally 15+ units, with a much more hands off operation. with that in mind, would it be better for me to save up for a larger down payment and never live in my properties, only manage from within 50-75miles (my Dallas proper neighborhood is NOT in my current budget right now) or would it be okay to #HOUSEHACK my first one and then househack a second one in 18-24months, etc. anyone go down this path before that can offer some advice?

Here is the summary of my situation that requires creative thought:Location: DC Suburbs (Clifton, VA)Original sale price: $300KOriginal mortgage: $240K ($60K down)Money spent rehabbing property since 2008: $70KTotal cash invested: $130KCurrent sale price (based on comps): $430KAmount owed on mortgage: $208KPotential cash generated from sale: $($222K, not including transfer costs)Estimated Monthly Rent: $2,200Current Monthly Payment for M/T/I: $1,300 *Biggest yard and likely one of the most updated homes in a desirable community where "average days to sell" is less than 14.Now the issues:Need $100K-$150K out of the house (or via investment) in order to put down-payment on next home, which will be primary residence (probably a $600K home).I've plugged numbers into every rent-or-sell calculator out there, but always feel like I'm missing something big.

However I heard you can form other sources, so maybe this varies from state to state, or I've been told wrong.

Working out really well for me and the tenants.

Is it possible for me to:1.

I would recommend you start by downloading your landlord tenant laws for your state..Then set your rental criteria,, credit score, income, (= to 2 or 3 time the rent ), occupancy limit per bedroom size of apartment... no cosigners,No pets,, no smoking,, what ever..but it stays the same for everyone.. 

It's a business, if you find some is abusing it financially (not paying rent) or physically (damages),, you push the envelope and write up a lease violation and if necessary evict.. doing regular inspections let's you bill tenant for undue damages when they occur.. and yet still have the deposit left to help when they leave.If you haven't yet,, download copy of the landlord tenant laws for your state.. 

Although you could technically form a property management LLC and create an agreement between yourself and the LLC.

In my current role at my 9-5 job, I can't hold an active license but this will be good info for me to keep in the back of my mind for down the road.