@Wayne Brooks Haha I'm poised to take advantage of that wave whether it's a tidal wave or ripple.

Take advantage of the resources here on BP.

What a HUGE advantage you have living here and having a network setup.  

How much of that equity do I actually get to take advantage of?

One advantage is that the residential zoning offers cheaper loan options than commercial.

All LLCs have partners.What are my best options to contribute to retirement and maximize tax advantage, either near or long term.

As far as financing goes, there are conventional loans specifically for first time homebuyers that you can utilize to put 5% down (giving you the advantages of the conventional loan with the desirable low money down aspect of the FHA).

I would only seek out this option as a means of a competitive advantage in my high cost of living area to get started.

LLC structures do not provide any further tax advantages and, based on my CPA's opinion, are not as rock solid as some make it appear.

If you have the money to get into your new house I recommend keeping this one as a rental there are to many benefits not to take advantage of.GOOD LUCK IN YOUR DECISION