If you are still in the market here, more than happy to hop on a phone call to see how I can assist. 

Seriously though, if you haven't already get your self a solid real estate-focused tax professional in your corner.

My son (age 24) however, is an independant contractor / self employed and is trying to buy a house. 

I’d be happy to discuss how I can assist you.

We want to plan in the most tax vantaged ways (which includes keeping future AGI as low as possible) and open to new-age and creative concepts.Respectfully ask to keep discussion to topic vs. selling one's self or services seeking new business.

You can hire a few different virtual assistants on a website such as Upwork.com, train them on how to skip trace, and stick with the one that is the best. 

Im self employed, roughly make $130k gross anually, 1099 NEC , no debt at all, 740 credit score. 

I've helped self-managing investors find good property management after disastrous DIY experiences, and I've helped investors with terrible property management find qualified and reputable companies.

I am still learning my self.

One size does not fit all and I wouldn't take much stock in any advice stating that housing assistance tenants are better or worse as a whole.