If the duplex sells for $500K and you exchange into a duplex in LA for $1 mil then you could use 50% of it as your primary residence.- Do I qualify for for a section 121 exclusion sense I lived on the property for the first 2 years of ownership?

You can check out their thoughts on how to approach seller financing here: Making Your Primary Residence the BEST Investment Ever (Better BRRRR!) 

I'm not so worried about "anonymity" because the house is our primary residence, so we're not hiding, but we want to look like we don't have excess assets.  

The Taxable Value is uncapped and equated to the SEV upon a sale or other transfer of property ownership, with limited exceptions.Homestead versus Non-Homestead Millage RatesCounties & cities in Michigan are allowed to set their own millage rates, with one restriction – a primary residence (Homestead) is exempt from up to 18 mills of school taxes on their Homestead property.

Should I refinance, I know I cannot do  HELOC because it is not my primary residence. 

Investment Info:Single-family residence fix & flip investment.

They may cost approximately 10% of your rental income per month, but may be worth it when you are residing out of state. 

I have VA disability to waive the funding fee and don't pay property taxes for the property I'm residing in.  

Investment Info:Single-family residence wholesale investment.

These kinds of developments can be huge draws for both residents and investors.