All in all, far greater flexibility will come from a skill set related to these degrees as someone who sees themselves as a real estate investor as their primary source of employment.

However, the self employment could (or could not) pose an issue depending on how much you pay yourself yearly and what you report on your tax returns.  

Not yet, I'm waiting until I hit 2 years of employment history before I talk to a lender.

Conventional financing may require 2 years of income to show depending on how many years you have been self-employed for. 

You can use a co-borrower just make sure they have good credit and a (2) year work history of W2 income.Try and avoid self employed co-borrowers because their tax returns typically do not show income and are full of deductions.

In your situation depending on your employment status, you maybe able to go for real estate professional.

If I get multiple apps I will start with the ones that appear to be the best qualified on paper (based on income, length of lease desired, past rental and employment history) and I'll run those first.  

  #1 employer is the state government with the capital here, and the #2 employer is the Federal government with 3 military bases. 

You'll need to call previous landlords and employers. 5.

Depending on your strategy you're employing.