To avoid all this you may just want to do a joint venture agreement.

When I get the time, I'm going to call some places listed here: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hcc/hcs.cfmIt doesn't look like I can qualify for an FHA loan without 2 years history of constant employment.

I am constantly getting the run around since they have other projects and service calls.  

Well, the electric had to be on to power the sump pump that was constantly running even though no rain had fallen in a couple of weeks (mid-summer).  

While I love my work, I can't do the constant travel forever (hence my motivation to get into REI).

Mine was begging for cash advances constantly because he didn't read how the draws went.Best of luck to you!!

Jointly we would be fine on ratios but my mortgage broker is indicating this is a problem and I would have to do conventional finance with 25% down,1) this is a lot of money  --  it still seems the return would work but that is too much $ to tie up2) if we put the 25% down I would be the primary which given this is a "first-look" property I don't think that will flyAppreciate any insight --  perhaps I need a different mortgage broker?  

This still will show all of the income on Schedule C of your joint 1040, but under her social security number instead of yours.  

Despite constant complaints about it being one of the most expensive places in the US, it has only climbed to 67% of its historical unaffordability, just below the middle of the pack.

You can blind nail it, and install flashing at butt  joints.