"That means you can never deduct the interest as a personal mortgage on Schedule A, even if your circumstances change and it would be better to do so."
I don't believe that's correct. If you convert a rental to personal use as a first or second home, then you may begin to deduct the mortgage interest and property taxes on Schedule A. But you may no longer deduct what were other rental expenses, such as repairs or depreciation.
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/taxes-when-you-convert-your-rental-property-your-personal-re....
**Answers are correct to the best of my ability but do not constitute tax or legal advice.
