Unemployed but... Don't need a W2 necessarily to begin?

[Sam Story]

First off, thanks to any of you who take the time to respond. I really appreciate it. 

Last June (like so many) I was let go of my "full-time" job. Since then, I cashed out an old life insurance policy where I was the beneficiary. It was sitting around, generating very little and I thought I could do a lot more with the $30K then let it make a few bucks a year. It was terrible and with a small company.

Anyway, now I'm at a point where I'm in a decent financial spot and I'm perfectly comfortable partnering up (a friend of mine in Milwaukee started on this in November) to get into some low-price flips and/or duplex, triplex, etc.

So, my question...

I won't qualify for any type of loan since I've been out of a W2 since June. Yes? My wife isn't going to sign on the dotted line until we find our home (which was sold last week) sometime in early May. Our mortgage is in her name. I pay all of our bills.

Can you think of any steps to take if I'm looking for a loan? Is it as simple as needing someone to co-sign who DOES have a W2? The guy in Milwaukee, who I will partner with, is in a similar-ish situation. He recently sold his business and has been out of a W2 for a few months but he had the cash to buy the first flip (for $22K, putting $38K into it and selling for $129k). 

Any advice would be much appreciated and helpful. Major thanks!