Tried posting it here but got in trouble for self promoting.  

They also make it easier to qualify for investors who own many homes or are self-employed.

First of all, don't be surprised if the CPAs (if not experienced in RE investing) tell you you can't self direct, or that you shouldn't because it's too risky.

Self managing is work.  4) alternate financing.  

Hopefully it includes vacancy, maintenance/cap ex, PM (even if self managed), misc, etc.  -$5k appreciation in 12 months is $416/month of appreciation.  

Try Self Employed from QuickBooks. 

Patience Grasshopper, my wiser self tells me.

If I contract a home and use you as my inspector, since I have never used you before and don't have a way to judge your work, If you use me as your inspector, determine upfront whether you want me to be nitpicky and create the largest report of meaningless findings to aid in getting a price negotiated lower (often due for new bills), a minimum number of findings to make it easier to purchase (often the desire expressed from real estate agents who don't want to blow up the transaction) or somewhere in between these two extremes. 

Also, my current "room mate" has expressed her interest in renting my primary residence entirely so I think that's a smart option. 

You should be able to express your goal in one minute and then expand if questions are asked.