Action date set for 8/16, anyone think they could make it sooner?

[Raymond Farragher]

Hello bigger pockets community,

I've identified a few things that are slowing me down from actually acting on my passion. I know I'm going to have trouble getting a loan because I've never received a w2, I've worked as an independent contractor for the past 5 years. However I should have enough money saved up by August 2016 to put down 3.5% on up to a $280,000 mortgage (have found deals as low as $95k in the greater Philadelphia area). I heard you can be gifted money for closing costs on an FHA loan. So my questions here are;

1.) is there a way to get a loan without any w2 paperwork? should I talk to an accountant?

2.) would a relative be able to put the money down for the entire loan, not just the closing cost? and also will the bank look at their (my relatives) credit score/debt-equity ratio in considering the loan?

and 3.) if a deal comes up and I was hypothetically able to get the loan should I pull the trigger or do you suggest I wait to build up an Efund/cushion?

I've been listening to bigger pockets religiously since I found out about it and I know It's time to get active on here to take my knowledge to the next level. so all feedback and advice are appreciated.

Thanks,

Rayjfar