Are there major employers nearby that you're expecting to continue to grow, or some that are shrinking or going out of business?

Challenge of rural midwest is that there's not often a varierty of industries, so there is certainly the risk that an employer will leave town.

Creative things sellers can do sell their house-Seller contributions-seller funded permanent buy down-seller funded temporary buydown-owner financing-contract for deed-seller second-lease option and lease purchase-wraparound and assumable mortgageTwo: creative things buyers can do to purchase a home-gift funding-selling and refinancing existing assets-nonoccupant co-borrowers-using a 401(k)-temporary IRA transfer-pledged asset mortgage-equity transfer and bridge loan-employer assisted mortgageThree: creative things lenders can do to finance a transaction:-lender funded buydown-Fannie Mae's my community mortgage-running scenarios with automated underwriting systems-adjusting amortization period to lower payment-adjusting interest rates to cover closing costs-state, province, and local grant or bond programs-mortgage credit certificate-private lendingAll the three players above, the seller, buyer, and lender, can bring creative solutions to the table to get a house sold." end quoteMost brokers don't know these either, or know them and don't inform - teach their agents.This is through my direct experience.

They are currently living with family and have stable employment history.

Are you self-employed or W2?? 

No - no payroll - just income for myself ( my entity) as self-employed in a single member LLC for vacation rentals. 

You want a market with JOBS, population growth, and diverse employment.

It was 1 page and consisted of me giving my name, address, phone number, licence number (thank god they didn’t ask for SSN), employer, monthly income and the loan amount I was requesting.  

They are taking a morelcloser look at the applicant's employment, salary and other finances.

We both have steady full time employment in the same industry for years.