My goal is to pick up a few properties for rentals here in NorCal, mainly for my family, and to begin to network with RE pros.

Basically, the main reason to be doing this is to get OO financing as opposed to an NOO financing/investor loan.

I took off some on cold north side and find bats all the way down to the bottom of main floor walls ,,,nestled in the pink fiberglass put in on renovation maybe 20 years ago.

Yes we know your not greedy, after all your going to give the seller full market value for their property. but you only need to pick the pocket of the sellers agent to do that.As one poster said get your license if you want the buyers agent share.I'm familiar with both sides, I have been an investor since 1955 and an agent since 1965.and working mainly with other investors.

So - technically you may qualify as you didn't own a "main home" you owned an investment home.I would try another accountant or 2 before I give up.

The main activities to manage a Short Term Rental are:1.

@Matthew McNeil The property has an alley street in the back, the front unit is facing the main street and the back unit is facing the alley street, there is a fence in the middle of the two to create separation. 

The main advice I'd offer is whether quad or duplex, just find a deal where you are happy with the numbers and willing for your family to live for a year (or more).

Goal would be to cover both but have my main office in PA.

This is my biggest hurdle in trying to narrow down the markets to invest in outside of SF, where I live.