Programs that market themselves as shortcuts often cannot replace the depth of understanding that comes from study, experience, and engagement with the legal framework surrounding real estate.Consider taking time to familiarize yourself with local laws and regulations.

Me and my girlfriend are currently saving to purchase a home within the next year or so to start house hacking, my concern is how signing the lease option to purchase contract will affect our eligibility for first time home buyer programs? 

DSCR is a program not a lender type.

Networking is huge, so connect with others in the industry, and look for mentorship programs (there are some great ones out there).

Thanks for the details on the rental program too.

Often low down payment/no PMI programs have those costs built in elsewhere in the loan. 

@Jay Hinrichs is correct.However, the following seasoning periods are what I am working with on the DSCR programs that I utilize for my clients.

I always get a notice to pay for the "Proactive Rental Enforcement Program" https://www.santa-ana.org/prep-program/. 

Here is a guide for our water company that walks you through it:  https://www.portland.gov/water/water-efficiency-programs/fin...I'm guessing it would be pretty similar for you, and if you determine that there is a leak by looking at the meter, then you may want to hire the leak detection company.As someone else pointed out, maybe just ask your tenants as well if any toilets are running or "ghost flushing" or if they have noticed any drips.Good luck!

But I was also sent a document stating that a county housing assistance program was guaranteeing the tenants security deposit (which was accepted by the current landlord) but not for the full lease term because the tenant is no longer receiving assistance and that the guarantee would only be until 2/2025.