Splitting the gift across multiple years may reduce immediate tax reporting but requires appraisals, legal documentation and proper structuring.If the house is highly appreciated, holding it for inheritance may be more tax-efficient because the recipient would receive a stepped-up basis to the FMV at the time of your passing, eliminating much of the capital gains tax liability.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

Holding this for 1 month (hoping that's enough to refi) that's $5k.So my aim is to save money overall by making a cash offer and close it soon.

We have a great interest rate, which is what is making us want to hold on to it, but it just might not be worth it when we can use the equity to get us in a better position. 

What I was referring to was that I know two private lenders who have the borrower complete the Deed in Lieu documents at the Closing of the initial loan and then hold them in escrow during the life of the loan.

That's comparing apples to oranges.

If you hold for 2 years then sell, I feel very strongly that you will do well. 

Be sure to hold a hefty reserve to handle on-going maintenance, capex, taxes, and insurance.

I have never owned my own property, yet grew up in a family real-estate holding company and directly understand the power of real estate investing.Since 2020 ive seen homes double in price. 

Dundalk I would prefer compared to Essex as it's closer to the city. 

Which is why I think house hacking is best for 90% plus of new buy and hold investors.I wrote an article on this a while back that goes into more depth and you might find that helpful: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/get-a-loan