Student looking to get first mortgage to start house hacking

[Huy Dinh]

Hi there! 

I am a student looking to buy my first rental property.  I had my credit pulled and have a 783 credit score.  I have at least $18,000 in savings and currently, have a w-2 student worker job paying $13/hour.  My mortgage lender said that with all of this, I was not approved for a mortgage.  What are my options to get approved?  He said to get a co-signer but I'd rather not get my parents involved.  I do freelance photography/videographer on the side but can't report that since it's not taxed.  Should I go to a different lender to see their opinion? He also said that if I could get a letter from my employer stating that I will work full time 40/hr weeks, that could work too.