Can recent graduates get pre-approved for a conventional loan?

[Stefanie Garner]

Hi guys,

I finished grad school last January '22 and am sitting on top of student loan debt.  I hope to get pre-approved for my first conventional loan in the St. Louis, MO, area as an out of state investor in the next 6 months ($50k-$200k loan,  $20k down).  With payments paused, I have not paid a dime of student loans yet. I'm gainfully employed but do have a gap in employment history due to schooling.    I can't be the only one in this boat --- Can I still get pre-approved?

If you know of any strong STL area lenders, please drop them here too..