STR-friendly markets make it easier to get started and grow your business, and the lack of state income tax is a huge perk.

Given that I am self employed, a few personal loan options, did preliminary asking about my situation, and they got lost in the weeds with how my real estate income looks so dismal on tax returns.

Meaning you get 4-5X the depreciation to defer your income from being taxable.

I would not buy a new vehicle just to get a write off - Only if you planned to get a new car anyway(I.E. if your old car is worn out).A lot of people are focused on deducitons but not focused on the income coming in / out.Best of luck!

I doubt he'll be able to quality for a loan (VA) with just his income. 

The interest on the rental is an offset to rental income, and is by definition deducted from your taxes.A 4% interest rate on a primary is like a 4.88% after rate for a taxpayer in the 22% federal tax bracket, or higher if in a state with state income taxes. 

Get a stable income, job and start with going the simple route.

I'm also working on a Google Data Analyst certification to bring in some extra income while I'm home with our 19-month-old daughter.I'm still pretty new to this, though, and I'm not sure where to start or if I'm on the right track.

@Rae Chris Ann Arbor is pretty expensive, so difficult to find cashflowing rentals.You may want to look in Ypsilanti - if you want to stay in your area.Otherwise, Metro Detroit offers a LOT of options.Read our copy & paste below for some helpful info:---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

This will allow you to qualify solely based on the income that is produced from the rent of the property.