@Nidja Bell A DSCR could be a really good options, especially if you've owned it longer than 6 months. 

It may just be a matter of what kind of lifestyle I'd like... but wondering if there are more lending options to use that equity that I don't know about/creative financing that may make it more interesting to hang on to. 

We’re not sure of this deal is going to be able to close without our seller as the official owner, but there seems to be no other option.

Hey @Michael Orlando, you'll have plenty of options to do a live in flip.

Quality and craftsmenship are never a game or optional.

There are multiple options and strategies you can deploy in the area.

I think if I was just starting out, I would avoid the expensive courses (I never did one but am thoroughly not impressed with folks who tell me about their experiences) and find someone who could do some 1-1 training and orientation to set me in the right direction and make order out of the abundance of options and strategies.

Considering your equity and cash reserves, exploring alternative financing options like traditional mortgages or partnerships might provide a more balanced approach to acquiring your investment property while mitigating risk.

This gives you single family home options and building out the second unit. 

That is an option to consider if your goal is to be entirely passive :)