In the program, it appears that you offer a Pre-Loan Application-- perhaps this is how the program is legal? 

In many cases bigger banks or lenders have specific programs that cater to first time home buyers and investors. 

It's a quirk that very few areas of the country have.Both the city and county have their own areas that have Section 8 residents, but the Housing Authorities that handle the programs are different. 

It varies by program.To learn more about DSCR programs: DSCR loans won't use your income to underwrite the loan.

Many DSCR programs require an investor to have a mortgage history- there are some DSCR mortgage programs that will work with investors who are renting- some refer to them as first time home buyers (FTHBs)- DSCR loans are only for investment properties where the owner isn't living there. 

If you do not have (2) full years of 1099 you can still get approved for a mortgage using a Non/QM program like a "1 Year 1099" program or Bank statements.

In order to work Joes program would take at least 5-10k.

Best thing is to call the housing authority that manages the voucher program in your city/county.

I really want to do local meetups and interact with more advanced investors but don’t know where to start.

Advanced QuickBooks ProAdvisor was introduced in 2007, to get certified the requirement was: one had to be certified for 3 years in a row and had to attend 2 day in person and online courses.