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I'd move away from the live in manager with free rent, but that's just because it's what everyone I've learned from has recommended.

To get a taste I'd recommend acquiring a multi w/value-add (lots of sweat in other words) in a B+ area wher you can live and rehab and above all, LEARN as I've observed over he years it's not how much capital one has at their disposal but knowledge that will ultimately yield you the "cash-flow" you're aspired so to grow.  

My understanding is that it is vague and you just have to "spend most of your time there" - which I could do, but my kids would still be in school in California, so not sure if that automatically makes my California place that I rent my primary residence.Thanks for the feedback, guidance, and recommendations.

If anyone has any referrals please recommend!!!

I recommend you speak with your real estate savvy CPA about the proper way to account for delinquencies/arrears.

Any recommendations would be appreciated. 

Is rezoning a three unit to a four unit something I can reasonably pursue, and if so any tips on how to go about doing so?

Regarding selecting a Broker to hang my license with, do you have any thoughts or recommendations as to how best to proceed?  

I recommend Call Fire, or Mojosells..