That will be a requirement to buy as a primary unless you are getting a relocation done with your current employer or finding a new job, if not able to work remotely. 

I did a credit check, criminal background check, got pay stubs, required income 3x rent, and got employer confirmation and prior landlord reference (but I never got in touch with the prior landlord successfully)

Homeowners can rent their house to individuals looking for vacation opportunities or they can rent their house to a business owner who intends to use it for business purposes.Shifting Income from Your BusinessIf you are a business owner and do not use your home as your primary place of business, employing the Augusta Rule can be an effective strategy for moving income away from your business and shifting it to personal income, where there would be no tax consequence.For example, as a business owner, you host a monthly meeting with your Board of Directors.

What is your plan for income/employment after you get out?  

There are also programs like DSCR where the borrower does not need to have or show employment or income.

Population is growing aggressively and jobs are moving here especially with major employers like Intel, Google, Amazon, Nationwide, etc.

Population is growing aggressively and jobs are moving here especially with major employers like Intel, Google, Amazon, Nationwide, etc.

Population is growing aggressively and jobs are moving here especially with major employers like Intel, Google, Amazon, Nationwide, etc.

I could have possible went to the woman's employer and asked about time off and see what information they would have freely gave me? 

Yes, you will need 2 years of employment history and be employed at the time of application for an FHA loan.