My husband did the bulk of the renovations but took no pay for his time during the renovation since we were strapped for cash and figured he'd just take owners draw for his time investment (LLC) after the sale.

This is how most hard money works now Rates: 9% to 13% (Most Deals are 11-12%)Terms: up to 36 Months (Most Deals are 6-12 months)Fees: 2-4 points(%) of loan amount paid at closing (Most Deals are 3 points(%))Minimum Loan Amount: $50,000 (For loans less than $250,000 $2,500 minimum fee)Max Loan: 65%-70% of After Repair Value(ARV) 100% Rehab Financing Available (Require 20% of purchase price down payment or cross-collateral)Closing Timeframe: 48 Hours - 3 Weeks (Most Deals are 2 Weeks)NO PRIMARY RESIDENCES, NON-OWNER OCCUPIED ONLY, BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL USE ONLY.

Otherwise you'll also have issues if you are the majority owner of the LLC. 

The 1098 is issued to both me and my partner (co-owner). 

As a proud husband and dog owner to the charming Luka, I'm here to connect with like-minded investors, share experiences, and learn from this incredible community.I'm eager to join communities that will not only help me expand my knowledge but also hold me accountable on this exciting path.

So we have bought properties that are really well taken care of by a long term owner and need minimal work before being put in service.

Trying to get an owner occupied property.

If you have a $6000 per month interest only payment and the best case scenario is renting both units for $5000 per month (you only mention renting one unit for $2500, perhaps the other "owner" unit is far nicer and commands more rent?)

If you use conventional now you can still use fha any time in the future as ling as you will owner occupy. 

Right now I am looking to buy an owner occupied investment property but I plan on growing my real estate portfolio after I graduate from school.