Banks won't loan to self-employed lawyer...HELP

[Faye Schofield]

I am new to BP and love the information sharing. I am a self-employed lawyer with plans to relocate to Florida in the next 4-6 months, where I will open a new solo law firm. I have 4 years experience in my current solo firm, which was far more successful than I imagined it would be. However, there is a limit to my success in this small town, and the solo practice of law (and parents with multiple rental properties) has taught me to diversify. My plan is to diversify with real estate investments, specifically, rental properties. My initial plan was to get an FHA owner-occupied loan to get started in my venture. However, I've already been told by conventional lenders that I am not likely to qualify since I'm self-employed, thus my income on paper is lower than normal. Banks have also informed me that they could attribute no income to me, since I'm moving and starting a new firm. They also won't accept my income if I travel between the two offices. Banks also tell me I'd be a bad investment if I were to get a non-legal job in Florida to supplement my income while growing my new firm, since I'd be working far beneath my education level.

I have 25% cash down payment waiting for investment.  This is my dream, and I'm willing to make it happen no matter what, but I am low on creative solutions. It appears that owner-financing or financing with a private investor will be my only options.  Thus, my question is, CAN ANYONE GIVE ME SOME LEADS ON INVESTORS IN PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA that might be interested in a deal, hopefully leading to more deals? Also, I'm up for other suggestions. Thanks!