New Member Introduction

[Jonathan Treichler]

Hello Bigger Pockets!

I have just begun my real estate investment journey. I am 26 years old, living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am looking to buy my first property in Minneapolis within the next couple of months. I have some savings, and would like to implement the BRRRR strategy, being a live-in landlord. I am just beginning a career in construction management, likely to get my General Contractor's license within the next few months. I am currently learning the ins and outs of general contracting/construction management. Our business goal is to build new modern (contemporary) homes for the middle/lower class. Most will likely be multi-units. Now onto my question...

Because I was traveling for the past 18 months or so, my tax returns don't look good to a lender. No full-time job in the past 18 months.. I am now a 1099 contract employee. Getting a loan from a bank is going to be difficult. I do have a good credit score, and no debts, but I'm pretty sure I won't qualify for anything from a bank. Maybe I'm wrong, if so please correct me. I'm working to potentially become a W-2 employee, but let's say that isn't an option. What other routes would you advise I go to get a loan? I'm looking to put no more than $20k down for a house up to $280k (less than 10% down). I'm also worried that hard money is going to have high interest rates that won't allow my property to cash flow. 

Thanks! I look forward to networking through BP!