Can you get a 401k if you already have a conventional loan

[Israa A.]

Hey Everyone,

I’m hoping to get my real estate investing started this year by buying two buy-and-hold properties, one 401k househack and one conventional but I’m coming across some complications.

I took a year and half off to travel and wasn’t working during that time. I started a job in my field 2 months ago. I have a decade of Work experience in the same industry, great credit, good income but I have a gap in employment.  

A mortgage broker told me I can’t get a 401k until I’ve been at my job for 6 months. Is that waiting period shorter for conventional loans? 
If I get a conventional loan before, would I be ruining my chances at a being eligible for a 401k or is there a way around that? 

Please let me now if you’ve ran into this before. Thank you!