Do not let a BP "expert" give you rotten advice.

Debt service calculation equals ((gross rents * economic occupancy) - (actual+estimated expense)) / Annual debt service

In order to gain trust you have to be a subject matter expert.

Rather than fishing for ideas for your particular situation on the public forum (some of the feedback you'll get will be wrong), you should get one on one with knowledgeable tax expert who can analyze your situation and provide you with proper guidance. 

i'm certainly not an expert, but i ran thru something kinda similar and i'll tell you what my lender said. so i was living in a home, yet i was purchasing a new home. to afford the new home (which would be my primary after the fact) we had to refinance the current home. we planned on making it a rental. so anyway, our lender required us to live there for at least 30 days after close of the refinance to qualify as owner occupants. this wasn't too big a deal because they were doing the other mortgage as well, so on day 31 we closed for the other property. so i guess my point is, talk with you lender about it, don't lie to them, ask them what are the specifics to qualify. otherwise be careful because you've most likely signed paper or will be signing papers that would make you liable for fraud if you don't walk the line. good luck!

Hi @Clayton Casey. it can be tough to find a legitimate agent as many are familiar with it but not really experts.  

You want to become an expert in the space.

If things head south and landlords have to become more competitive, having a tenant-focused approach will better position you to maintain your economic occupancy.  

If rates stay low and other economic factors stay solid then property values will hold or even continue to increase a bit.

I'm not an expert but that seems low.