Alternatively, is there an advantage (tax-wise) in holding on to it as a rental for any period of time? 

The usual alternative is a phone call which is much harder to document.

Also I was told that this type of loan (depending on how stringent the lending institution is) can only be held in your name.I went ahead and applied anyway and I have been accepted for one through Loan Depot so I'm still looking into alternative sources of financing because the more options the better.

The alternative you're proposing of holding it and potentially only selling a half is a much better one. 

As an alternative so you don't have to lie , there is an investor loan for both single family and multi 2 to 4 units.

If so, is there any sort of way to obtain permission or find an alternative source of comp pics for the flyer?

The alternative is to consider other options such as room rentals and/or short term rentals.

It's not a good practice to teach new property owners to evict at the drop of a hat...There is an obligation to assume the position of a responsible human and work through the steps and processes...this means an attempt at mediation at every level...then alternatives to evict like cash for keys. 

Alternatively, you can do a "hybrid" real estate portfolio where you refi one and acquire one or more as purchases, such that the new note is tied to multiple properties.

is there any practical alternative to automate the rent payment without the tenants providing theirs accounts?