That’s why you get a discounted interest rate and a lower downpayment, because owne occupant properties are low risk. 

Based on my calculations, even with a low down payment, I can achieve positive cash flow (with aggressive enough house hacking).

All in all I'm a bit lost in all of this and hoping to at least break even with my current property while keeping the mortgage low on my next property.

For example, if the refi lender requires 6 months of seasoning so that the refi is based on LTV rather than LTC, then your HML will likely be 7 months...

Save the low rate: Keep your current loan and focus on building savings for the next down payment through budgeting or a side hustle.2.

I will say that during that time, the HELOC interest rates were very low.  

Then there’s this glorious tax season where you realize how many things you get to deduct that others can’t, while sheltering your income with depreciation, and earning tax free income with appreciation.

I have heard about low cost granite / stone, i just don't know where to get it. 

And, just maybe you’ve purchased at a point where Detroit has hit its low, bottomed out, and is set to reverse trend and grow.  

Is this your first investment property or are you a seasoned investor?