If you'd ask this question while still employed I'd say apply the $8500 toward knocking down the debt quicker but since that is not the case I would build up your reserves to about 6 months then begin applying those funds to bring down the debt. 

High demand and still relatively low entry costs. 

Im self employed, roughly make $130k gross anually, 1099 NEC , no debt at all, 740 credit score. 

You can close in an LLC and don't need to provide employment history, income or tax returns, and DTI isn't a factor.

This can range from minor exaggerations to outright lies about employment, income, rental history, or identity.Key Signs of Potential Fraud:Inconsistencies in Documentation: Discrepancies between the documents provided and the information filled out in the application form can be a red flag.

I've now used it twice.The program requires 10% down, must be a rental, no PMI, and has a very high standard of credit.Last I did it (Summer 2022), my rate landed in the low 5%.  

That does not require employment or job seasoning instead it uses the rents to qualify and you can take out up to 80% LTV cash.Use the cash to put down on the next 1-2 or more properties as long as the other properties are debt servicing themselves it opens up more opportuities to buy more future assets and increase your passice income.  

At this stage, the main thing we need is for me to get back into the workforce and get some money coming in, in order to achieve that dream.With that in mind, my immediate goal is to gain employment in the field of property management, as opposed to wasting my time working in another field that is not associated with real estate.

Seems too low to be real.

You also need the operating cash to do rehab.I say this because you mention FHA and low money.