We could not get it financed through a credit union or a hard money lender, talked to the wrong ones I guess, but released the wholesaler so he could get someone that could get lending.

I was born and still have family not too far from your neck of the woods(Union City amd Teaneck).

I’m a 24 year old aerospace engineer and flight instructor in the Seattle area.I’m originally from Rhode Island, went to college at Purdue in Indiana, and have been working in Seattle full-time since 2012.I recently made my first step into real estate by buying a condo in South Lake Union.

Have you talked with you local banks & credit union's?  

Talk to some local credit unions and mortgage brokers and see which one is able to give you the best deal.

Can I use an escrow account vs. local bank / credit union to hold my profits & cash-flow?

My local credit union told me that that they need to use the lesser of the two previous W2's for my income; in this case I would want to maximize income for both years.What have you all done and how has it worked out to minimize your future DTI ratio?

I paid 20% down and used a credit union to finance remainder on a 15 yr note.

I would start with local banks and credit unions.  

Charlotte, union county, fort mill etc.