@Ko KashiwagiHi Ko,I hope to answer the question you are asking.I did qualify for the Triplex solely based on my W-2 which has since gone up a bit.Because I live in it, but the other 2 units are tented, I was able to depreciate 2/3 of all CapEx and OpEx (units are equal in size).The rental income covers about 81% of my monthly mortgage payment.One lender has told me, they need a 2-year rental income history on my taxes.

Los Angeles rents remain well above the Western regional average of $178 per unit for non-climate-controlled and $191 for climate-controlled units.Competitive Inventory, Employment, AbsorptionNew inventory additions slowed in Q1 2024, with only 969 units delivered compared to over 1,000 units per quarter throughout 2023.

Your personal income, employment history and DTI is not relevant with this loan type. 

I work for a medium sized firm in California.

AFRs change monthly and can be found here:https://apps.irs.gov/app/picklist/list/federalRates.htmlYou need Table 1 from the monthly Revenue Ruling.Currently, the rates are around 1% or below, depending on the term and size of the loan.

A simple example, is where a major employer in a small town closes up.

Look for strong economic and population growth with a robust and diverse employment base.Next, you should identify neighborhoods and locations which fit your investments criteria.

Since I am self employed, I was hoping they have a pool of lenders catering to Self employed.

Sounds like it will vary from lender to lender.Based on input so far, it sounds like I would need to decide on either doing a handful of 2-4 unit properties that are local so I can self manage, and use multiple residential loans, or a medium size property (whether mhp or not) which has professional management and would likely be long distance. 

Another insights i am looking for is also the most optimized property size, is it 2 bed/1-2 bath or should i go bigger with 3 beds/2-3 bath?