Carol - Tom is an extremely intelligent and forward thinking CPA!

I think you are looking at 5 years to exit.

Im thinking of renting out my primary which will cashflow $650 (no management fee, self manage) because of low interest rate i got it for 2% which still has 2 years before rates renew. 

From what I can tell from my talk with my lender, the mortgage is still with me personally, I am not sure if this means what I think it means though.

Some landlords have a master tenant who collects rent from the other tenants but that's not the best way to set it up - I think it could potentially open up the tenant trying to seek legal action against the investor and say that they're under rent control protection with any rent increase. 

He would be safer in a savings account at that rate (I know what you're thinking... appreciation, though).

Welcome to BP - think you are definitely starting in the right place - house hack duplex to start the real estate investing journey should be a solid bet - don't need a huge amount of capital either if you buy smart

Also, based on the new regulations (1 of the 2 units must be owner-occupied), how do you think this will impact the home's value?

I was thinking of quit claim deed but am concerned about the due on sale clause.

There was a local investor meetup for Killeen, but I don't think they've met in a long time now.