Active investors absolutely have ability for higher returns, but at some point it does impact your primary job earning power. 

I think if you can nail that down you will be able to find a market easier.As a buy and hold investor some of the things that were important to me when deciding on a market were landlord tenant laws, price to rent ratio, housing demand, ability to build a team, large population 500K plus, multi-family availability and some other factors.take the process step by step and you will be fine. 

DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans generally focus on the property's ability to generate enough rental income to cover the debt payment.

I am interested in meeting mortgage brokers, investors, and real-estate agents in the Austin area, as well as anyone who can connect my abilities as an engineer to a tech company in the area.I love learning new things, and not knowing how to do a thing has never stopped me from doing it.

You might find a local credit union or community bank that will go to 95 -100%.At one point I called 2 different VA Regional Loan Centers regarding this section in the VA lenders handbook:Assumability - The second mortgage should not restrict theVeteran’s ability to sell the property any more thanthe VA first mortgage.

Quote from @Account Closed: For someone rebuilding their real estate business and looking to transition into larger multifamily deals, what’s the most effective way to position yourself as a valuable partner in syndications—especially when capital is limited but market knowledge, deal-finding ability, and local expertise are strengths?

I have the ability to find properties that all in costs including rehab and purchase would only be 70 to 80% or ARV on properties. due to this I have been trying to find lenders that allow for less down and rehab coverage since the properties are so discounted.

Credit is also going to hinder your ability to get a heloc, and lack of income for now. 

I’ve been considering working for as a acquisition manager for a  wholesaling company, as I believe it would help me develop skills in property analysis and enhance my sales abilities.

But it would give you time to save up for the 20% on a refinance in 2 years or give you the ability to use any equity gained to refinance in 2 years.