Also, we have witnessed a lot of tenant applicant fraud related to income verification and employment, in addition to identity theft.

I am not suggesting investors shouldn't use entities, but the entity formation structure @Carlo D. described is more  complexed than the formation structures my last employer utilized and they owned a portfolio that exceeded $1B.

My current FICO score is approx. 800, and self employed. 

The IRS sets the rules, and they are available on their website:https://www.irs.gov/retirement-plans/plan-participant-employ...

You can use an LLC, no tax returns, DTI, or employment checks are required.

There are a lot of bait and switch type lenders in this space since it's unregulated. 

Zane,First off if you plan on going SE Self-employed and starting your own company you are going to need to wait (2) years to get a conventional loan.

In this space there are many lenders that bait and switch, scam, or simply do not perform.

FHA requires the work to be done in 6 months or less.In order to buy a home as your primary residence in another state, you'll have to show proof that you have a job in that state or that your employer is allowing you to work remotely.  

I used to attend all their webinars to learn about it and then opened my account once I changed employers, moved half my 401k and have purchased income producing real estate,  invested in a business, bought some land, and also now holding notes.