All of the banks I have called require a MINIMUM of 12 months guaranteed employment for me to qualify for a conventional loan.

The rent application would include all information required for a lender to assess whether the renter would qualify for a mortgage (e.g. 2 years of steady employment, tax returns, no bankruptcies or outstanding judgments, etc.).

By perpetuating the social stigma of being a "felon"; denying access to employment, denying access to housing..you do nothing but encourage recidivism..and continue the vicious cycle..which is exactly what your government and for-profit prison industrial complex wants. - A productive member of society who was once a court date away from being a convicted felon. 

Meet People with Experiences Similar to Your Own: There are many organizations (both free and paid) out there that you can join such as BiggerPockets forums, local real estate meetup groups, The Entrepreneur's Organization, your local AICPA group, etc. that gives you a place to receive advice, guidance, problems and ideas.Utilize the R&D Tax Credit: Your business could receive a 10-20% refund for employee labor that’s associated with improving a product or process.Utilize Employee Retention Tax Credits: If your employees that worked for your business during the pandemic are retained through the end of 2021, your business could receive up to $9,000 each quarter that your employees were retained.Own Your Own Office: This would allow you to have multiple tax deductions, utilize depreciation, take advantage of appreciation of the property, as well as allow your company to rent out any unused space to help pay the mortgage.Take Advantage of Energy Efficient Tax Credits: There are many opportunities to take advantage of these credits such as updating the HVAC system, installing energy efficient lighting, etc.Perform a Cost Segregation Study on Your Property: This would allow your business to immediately write off the personal property within the building.Utilize Work Opportunity Tax Credits: If you hire employees from groups that typically face a barrier when it comes to employment such as people with physical or mental disabilities, veterans, etc. your small business could receive a tax credit while also helping the underserved.Use the SCORE program: This program is free and connects you with resources, and mentors and specifically focuses on helping small business owners excel.

If I employ a strategy of sending LOIs then lowering offers after-the-fact it would get around quick.  

Things can get really tricky if you're self-employed or own a business.  

My spouse is the only one employed and I would like to turn my development ideas into a legitimate business.

@Colby Zeller- if you end up buying a MF proeprty - the  FHA loan is likely the  way to go ,,,,if you end up buying a SFR - using a conventional loan is likely the way to go ....all lenders  will look at   credit ...verfiable income / employment /   assets  .....debt/ income ratios  needs to be  under 49% in many cases ...

., prohibiting an association from employing or contracting with any service provider that is owned or operated by a board member, any person who has a financial relationship with a board member, or even a relative by blood or marriage.

Any time someone looks to employ this strategy I like to recommend a minor tax tip.