Maybe you could extend the closings with some additional earnest money (even if you release it) and buy the time so you can simply do a regular 1031 exchange.  

I suspect it was two or more months on 1 bill in addition to what we pay for common areas.

Moving forward in my  commercial leases I will now include language making the placement of thermostats the landlords decision with additional language prohibiting the relocation. 

I’m in the San Diego area and my husband and I are adding 2 additional rental units to our property. 

From my understanding doesn't seem as though it would pass through, rather the fund would benefit and therefore returns would be better.

Additionally, you may wish to speak with a CPA as to whether or not becoming an S Corp is the right decision – they can assist with reducing self-employment taxes.

There is some additional information that wasn't mentioned in your post above which sheds a different light on the situation.  1.

In addition, in the African American Community, this is like the first or second generation where people can pass down anything.

There are cheaper one’s in D/F areas but I would be careful as those can create a laundry list of additional issues.

If you feel ambitious, you could try a BRRR strategy adding additional equity to the subject home and then taking equity out of it to pay off either the HELOC or if you decided to the refinance the primary residence.