The problem is that I switched from being an employee to being self-employed last year, and banks don't want to lend to me because of that (since they can't sell the mortgage).

My strategy I'm employing is buy and hold rentals purchased with all cash.

So the secondary goal is to provide interim cash flow along the way.At this point in time, I'm with you and can't see myself ever playing with the 30-40+ rentals it would take to replace my salary, but that is a really tempting thought to be self employed managing my own properties, and not sitting here on a Sunday afternoon realizing that Monday morning is just around the corner!

However, the economic makeup of the employers in the Tampa Bay market is very diverse - Raymond James, MacDill AFB, ValPak, Techdata etc.. so it will come back.

I am not sure of the methods that they employ to check up on everyone though.

@Shariyf Grevious , If Acme Solutions is a sole proprietorship then yes it could be that high if they have other income. 43% would assume a 28% tax bracket plus 15.3% in Self employment tax.

Of course requirements are given, such as employment being longer of 5yrs or amount of steady monthly income., etc...I have a large network of clients that actually work for different City Departments and can afford $1200-1500 a month but credit wise maybe in the high 500?

I'd also be looking at vinyl plank flooring like the Allure brand.

My question is, if interview went well, credit checks out along with employment, would you use the dog as a deal breaker?

I signed up, and employed it with some success in a non-real estate application I had at the time.