4)If we get one/some of these deals before the end of the year (think November) and have it on our taxes would that 'short year' count as a 'tax year' for that property?

I will be interested, too. please count me in! 

Take the 75k with you to MN and leverage that using FHA to buy the largest unit count (4plex preferably) MF building you can find there in MN.

I was informed that I need to work both jobs for two consecutive years for the lender to count both jobs as income.

I was informed that I need to work both jobs for two consecutive years for the lender to count both jobs as income.

Because some people count cash flow is all money after PITI/PM fees/and expenses.  

I have prepaid some principal but I do not count that as cash in at this time due to the fact it was completely discretionary + since I have a full time job, I was choosing to throw a little bit of spare change towards the mortgage on top of what my tenants were paying me.

I'm only assuming since I have limited info.Make sure your lender is allowing at least 50%+ of the rental income from the other two units to be counted towards your income. 

The deals are what counts most for any investor.

:-)The example you gave above is when you do a cash-out refinance within the 6 month seasoning period, and say you used a Hard Money lender for purchase, which still counts as mortgage.The key here is an all-cash purchase in the individual’s name.