Talk to people and research the strategies you're interested in. 

Very few people move out of storage in the middle of the winter and all locations around are full. 

Why do people not understand this? 

Trying to convince people that permitted work is better is like beating your head against a wall.

@Patrick Irish based on what you say, the Sec 121 Exclusion and the 1031 Exchange both seem like they'd be good options for you to defer capital gains on sale of the townhouse.Sec 121 Exclusion has 3 requirements: First, Determine whether any of the automatic disqualifications apply (acquired property through 1031 exchange in last 5 years, or subject to Expat taxes)Next, meet the ownership requirement -> you owned the home for at least 24 months (2 years) out of the last 5 years leading up to the date of sale (date of the closing)Finally, meet the residence requirement -> owned the home and used it as your residence for at least 24 months (or 730 days) of the previous 5 yearsThere is no “Wiggle Room” but there is a Sec 121 “partial exclusion” for people like you that missed the residence requirement by a few months.

For people who have at least one investment property, what is one thing you wish you knew before making that first investment and/or one thing you would've done differently for that first investment property?

They are having a public hearing in Ithaca on opting in to the horrific "Good Cause" legislation that basically gives your private property rights over to the tenant.   

I'm a multifamily analyst for a bank that originates all sorts of real estate loans, and I am looking to connect with people that have a passion for real estate and money.

Here is an article that goes over the basics.

Please bear with me if these questions are too basic.