You can live in one unit and rent out the other for little to no down payment.

Should I explore putting these properties into land trusts?

However, I don’t yet have the funds for a down payment on another house, and I’m trying to figure out the best option for where to live while I rent the apartment.Do you have any recommendations for managing this transition or tips on finding a temporary place to stay?

Have as many people you can trust give you some advise about your purchase.  

Quote from @Mathew Chacko: Quote from @Na Person:  I too was a little skeptical of sending a large cash payment to an unlicensed entity (1031 facilitators do not need a license). 

That's $1680 per year for QBO, plus my Bookeeper at another $500 a month to log monthly statements, break down loan payments, and reconcile.

FHA loans can be a good option here, allowing you to put down a lower down payment.## NetworkingNetworking is key in real estate investing.

If your property management company is good and has built an internal maintenance team which has set rates and had strong relationship relationships with licensed contractor which should keep costs in control, you should never need to shop contractors on your own I wouldn't think.So in short, our policy is give us your preferred contractors upfront if you have them, but then we work all tickets to resolution including dispatch, and payment of invoices.This is of course for operational expenses.  

Skills or qualities in no particular order: Communication, patience, empathy, listening ear, backbone, resilience, determination, organization, work ethic, lead a team, thick skin, time management, trusts their instinct, and all-around good ethics! 

Consider looking into FHA or conventional loans with lower down payments to maximize your cash.