Here is how IRS defines self-employment:https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-se...I agree with Logan, there are many ways for your wife to utilize her talents and gifts while staying at home, keep exploring and I'm sure you will find the right fit soon enough. 

I don't know of any local books per se,  but Within western WA,   my best recommendation for learning more about local laws is to attend some seminars/classes by Rental Housing Association of washington state. 

Long story, slightly shorter....I invest in cash flowing triplex and fourplex rental in albuquerque properties because I get way better cash flow (just bought a fourplex a couple weeks ago by KAFB on southern ave SE that was listed for $190k, I got it for $180k and the units currently rent for $575 x 4 but I know w some small improvements I can get these rents up to $650/mo over the next year.

So me & him was sitting up in there trying to handle it pro se. 

will someone please me what the heck s e o means as I actually believe it or not don't know what it meansI'm just a dummy mortgage broker

It's not a designation, per se. 

A Phd. in Finance, Real Estate or Economics does not make one an expert in real estate investing per se.

But if you are some thankless middle income desk jockey, who just wanted to move up from 1600 square feet to 4600 square feet and have a boat, and have two cars in the driveway the size of the space shuttle, and if the loan screws up well, se la vi!

We're not interested in agents per se, but in agents who are willing to be partners with us.

This process is not pro se friendly and I am not sure you can even get your motion argued so the issue with appearing in front of the court may never happen.