Antoine best post I have ever read that you have done.. free and clear assets is where real wealth is gained in real estate. 

How should I go about obtaining access?

Generally a REIT might buy a large portfolio and not want all of the properties to re-balance their asset allocation percentages of a certain tenant type or asset class.

I say buy an asset that will give you a return that covers the student loan.

Generally, do you want to obtain the mortgage before you purchase the house?

With that much appreciation, you could use a 1031 strategy for example into an even bigger asset. (5+ units, maybe out of state?).

Sorry to confuse you but, bottom line is, LLCs are not tax saving vehicle, they are for asset protection. 

If this is what you have been looking for and you have talked to the seller and found out his story of retiring from the game, looked at the numbers and it makes sense for your "WHY", then all that is left is to execute on the deal and stay on course with your due diligence on the asset itself. 

I don’t want to make a bad investment that will delay the process of me obtaining more properties, however I do really like the property and it is a place I would like to live in for the next 5 years or so while I obtain more rentals.Thanks for all the input in advance!

Some property's need to be listed very quickly due to foreclosures and may be listed prior to obtaining photos.