If you want advice on real estate investing and the tax and financial strategies associated with it you should work with a tax strategist with real estate investing and financial planning experience. 

@Andrew GrantI think one of the biggest differences between H&R Block and someone from this forum is their ability to help you with tax planning as well as filing.

Their plan is filed with the court and the court and the creditors object or agree to that plan.

I now plan to sell the property in January 2025, or Spring time depending on market, and am hoping to avoid capital gains because of the 2 year hold period.

It's not that lenders do anything on their end to fix your score, but they can pull your credit report and identify the areas that are harming your score and then set up a plan to help you fix those. 

Get a hold of them and they can put you in touch with retired execs that can help you put together a plan.

Of course I plan to have the cousin apply just as any tenant would, but would you create an entirely new lease?

I am putting a 3rd floor on and already have my zoning permits and waiting on construction plans.

Check your home insurance plan to make sure it's good enough for the time when no one is there, and think about getting a property manager if you have concerns about looking after your place during your absence.

I was on the 6 month payment plan last year when it launched and was smart to do that and only lost $500.