40% of the gain is my rule of thumb.

From my research, it is true in most states unless you give the tenants full disclosure beforehand and have their consent in writing or on the lease rules and initialed.

Currently, I am being told that because my wife is on a part time, temp status without two years history of being with her current employer that we will not be able to qualify for a loan and that this two year rule is a government rule, not a bank rule.

I believe that working as a real estate agent will give me plenty of great experience and knowledge to improve my confidence and skills as an investor.

I know a few people that work there, I know they are not fly by night, but I don't know for sure their seasoning rules.  

Check with your employer/benefit plan, some have rules that if its not your primary residence that you need to pay back the loan within 5 years, some plans do not let you make additional payments but allow pay off in full as early as you want, also if you leave your employer anytime before the loan is due, you may have to pay it off or pay a penalty.  

Set the rules and enforce them.  

I have been doing some reading about the 50% rule but have some question I will need to post on that topic, but that is for another thread. 

Claims I am abusing the forums and rules. 

I would be looking to get it at a low enough price, along with the home improvements done after purchase (also with 15%-20% down) to take out a home equity line of credit.