Although I do plan to sell within the next 3 years (military orders) I want to make sure I didn't make a terrible mistake by lowering my payments now just to save a few hundred dollars but increasing my total loan.

Due diligence will save you most of the headaches you are dealing with most of the time.  

No tax returnsMinimum credit score 650Max Loan to Value 75% on sfr or 2-4 unitOnly up front cost is for appraisal and creditRates in the 7's with a 30 year amortizationAgain, points not to exceed 4You don't have to sell your beautiful flip when it's done;  keep it, manage it, profit from it.  

Some people put a lot of value in appreciation and the tax benefits. 

So, my numbers look like this:$1,580/month income$400 "lease" payment to Owner$80 Lawn/Snow$60 Trash Pickup$90 Water/Sewer$125 Electric$125 Propane for Hot Water$150 Maintenance $250 Property Tax$50 InsuranceShould leave a net cash flow as-is of $250/month.

As a result, the property tax went up by 300%.

I'm leaning towards just saving a bit more so I can get in the the commercial side 5 units plus.

Using the gift tax exclusion will not be helpful because he will be reimbursing the LLC over a short time.

Save up your down payment and do it yourself.

I want to use the financing strategies I learn above, coupled with that $ to either do straight flips, OR do some BRRR.My first question is, HOW do I get access to that $, and use it without getting murdered by the feds in fees, taxes and limitations...?