Being that the loans are based on the potential income, would employment also be a factor?

This might offset the rate difference, especially when conventional financing isn't as easily accessible due to strict income or employment documentation requirements.2.

For example currently I have a tenant who has a delinquent balance because of employment difficulties.

Are most landlords/PMs not contacting employers and instead simply trusting the paystubs provided?

For myself, I own an e-commerce business so I am self-employed.

However, I would suggest you calculate a 5-10 year pro forma on each property and calculate an overall IRR for each so you can compare and contrast based on your risk tolerance.

Beyond the formal checklists: no evictions, 3-4x income to rent, prior landlord references, employment checks; I would also look at things like responsiveness to communication when we are setting showing, were they on time to showing, did they look me in the eye and shake my hand, did they show up to showing high?

With Electric Boat being a main employer in the area, along with the Coast Guard and Navy Base, it makes it a great place to invest!

Based on rental income would be great since I'm self employed so minimal documentation is best for me. 

Local jobs did not care that I ran a successful business for 25 years as there was no specific skill set to transfer into relatable employment.