So I am working on this project that once I am done will be cash flowing around $5000 per month after all expenses are paid.

I am currently reading as much as I can on BiggerPockets, buying every book I can about creative investment, finding and funding projects.

No, that's not how hard money works, that's where the traditional banks play.You are looking for a bridge loan essentially, something that will bridge your project to traditional financing.Bridge Plus from Lima One Capital as a for instanceThe spirit of the BRRRR is two loans:Take your hard money to do your rehab, they will finance a portion of your repairs as well.

I know there are multiple ways to get money for a project but I prefer traditional to get started

Ss I have gotten further into the project and I am seeing the reality of the numbers (including taxes), it has made me question if I would be better off to do a cash out refi at 6 months and then sell after the first lease ends to maximize the payout and reduce the taxes.

At the end of the day that is my job (yes an estimator), so mainly my job is looking at a project and coming up with a price and make a profit after all the work is done.

I think this project would be perfect for the  BRRRR strategy.

Here's my projections at $550/unitX9units https://www.biggerpockets.com/calculators/shared/670648/6652d312-c6e0-4ed9-ae1e-6c67df1426fc Since they are 1bd/1bath and the are is a "c" the turn over may be high. 

If you flip because you love the excitement of getting started on a new project only, go for it. 

Use consolidation and changing classes to end up with truly passive real estate investments like the DSTs that @Matt K. referenced or TIC projects - All passive.