However, I am finding through my talks with some lenders that, since I am still relatively new out of school and have multiple student loans (although I have great credit), my saving grace in terms of getting a loan to fund my first deal is the salary my day job pays me.I know that real estate isn't a get rich quick scheme and that I will probably have to stick out my day job for a couple more years, but at what point do you see banks, lenders, etc. start to give you loans to fund deals without a steady stream from a corporate job? 

The temperature that night got down to 0 degrees farenheit.

We'll cut to the chase, here's our dirt.The Facts: Ages 51/44, Married, w/10 yr. old childOne steady income 45KOne low income & fluctuating (self employed only 2 years but growing slowly)Living/ renting in NJ (Very expensive market, 2 family units sell over 500K)Fair amount of debt 37K (Car loan, 2 CC, Medical bills)Just getting by each monthCombined 401K's =  150KMy 401 (100K) can be transferred with no penalty to a self directed IRA (I had opened up last year in hopes of using some cash to invest in RE) We are determined to get into REI however we're probably going to need some creative ways to do it with our current situation.

What you could do is have it set to a particular temperature with a lock box over the thermostat.  

Plus...escape velocity...Episode 113 – Jay Papasan - Very practical slow and steady adviceEpisode 221 - Tim Shiner - his concept of equity build up and "shearing the sheep" shows some of the flexibility of real estate vs a 401k Last but not least, I strongly recommend all the tax advice given by my fellow CPAs.Amanda HanBrandon HallTax Reform Update – Brandon Hall and Amanda Han Linda Weygant GuidesUltimate Beginners Guide Forum StickiesBP Calculators or spreadsheets uploaded by membersMy Favorite Books I have to say all of the BP books…right?

Does anyone have any experience with obtaining a home mortgage without steady income?

If your income is steady and predictable you shouldn't have any problems.

The area has had steady population growth and one side of town in particular is really booming.

Right now I have a steady job and my wife and I are expecting our first child in November.

I realize people have different temperature sensitivities, but still.