Lender for rental properties after going self-employed

[Justin Bock]

Hello, I'm looking to obtain financing for various rental properties. Earlier this year, I quit my W-2 job and now work full-time as a real estate agent and investor. My wife still has her W-2 job. My income this year will actually be more than last year but I'm worried that I won't qualify for conventional loans (my preference) based on DTI if we use only her W-2 since that's the only documentable monthly income. Our credit is very good and we have ample cash.

I'm looking at some low cost rental properties (under $90K each) as well as multi-unit properties up to $400K.  I know that I can go through companies like Lending One and Corevest but sometimes their products don't exactly fit (I don't meet the minimum loan amount in some cases) and I'd like to explore other options.

I have tried finding a small bank in the area (I'm in the Raleigh/Durham area) that does portfolio loans but haven't had much luck.  Can anybody advise on how I can obtain conventional or "better" financing than direct lenders like Corevest or LendingOne?   Any and all options would be appreciated!