Hey BiggerPockets Forum,

I'm looking to purchase a first-time home, multi-family ideally, for investment purposes, however I have left my job in January of 2020 am having issues applying for a loan. I have a majority of my assets in stocks and can enough down, 20% for a $1M+ home and still have a majority of assets remaining. I currently live rent free in San Francisco, (family-owned apt) and just started airbnbing my unit as a househack. 

I have no debt, no liabilities and am hoping not to return to the 9-5 work schedule and pivot over to real estate full-time. What are some suggestions on getting into the real estate market, even without steady income? Should I consider getting my real-estate license as an agent just to network and understand the market? I have friends that are interested in buying properties, but what would the implications be if they shoulder the full mortgage burden, even though we'll split the mortgage payments and expenses 50/50?  Ideally, I do not want to go back into the 9-5 work-grind, but I would consider if this is the most sensible option to get into real estate based on my situation. 

I would consider purchasing both out-of-state or in the bay area. 

I'm hoping to come up with creative ways to enter the real estate market, based on the assets I have currently available. I'm a new member of Biggerpockets and have been listening to the podcasts for the past couple weeks and it's been inspirational. 

Thank you Biggerpockets forum.

-Ray