For that reason, we are almost exclusively working with a commercial lender and doing 20 year amortizations w/ 5 year balloons. 

The biggest advice I could give you about finding a house hack is reaching out to as many people in the industry as you can and tell them what you're looking for.

This would allow you to qualify for both the 121 Exclusion ($250,000/$500,000 tax free exclusion) and the 1031 Exchange.  

I strongly believe the industry is changing and sellers expect to receive more support and options.

All of this info can be sourced from online platforms and articles, real estate investment meet-ups, and general networking with folks in the industry. 

Statements like this are so bad, in so many ways.Using BS contingencies to get out of a contract because you cant find a buyer in time is sleazy and hurts the industry.

Hello BP, I have recently started a new career in the sales industry.

I have been doing a lot of industry research.

I am mainly looking to switch career paths (currently in corporate finance), as I would love to get into the Real Estate industry in the Boston, MA area as an investment/operations analyst.

There are some markets like Norfolk, San Diego, Fayetteville, etc that there is probably some job security, I would ensure that you consider other industries that are in the market.