I would recommend that any lender you speak with on investment property lending to ask some specific questions: When do you start using rental income to help me qualify?

they look great on paper or an idea board, just not sure how they go together in the real world.

Regarding how much you can qualify for, if you have a bank you like I bet they would be happy to help you figure that out.

If they are on board, have at it.

However I have also had customers ask their CPA's if their rental properties would qualify.

However I have also had customers ask their CPA's if their rental properties would qualify.

That is the reasonable expectation that most sellers/real estate agents/etc. have.Credit score and employement might take too long to discuss here fully but IN GENERAL you'll need a 2 year work history (there are exceptions to this) a 660 credit score will get you in most loan types, 680 is better, but FHA will lend below...most banks will stop at 580 but there are a few that will go below that with more down payment.Since you are house hacking here's a few other questions to ask the lender: When do you start using rental income to help me qualify?

However, in the past we have been "hobby flippers" one a year, this year our goal is to do 12 houses,, we are on target for 8 right now as we continue to scale up on our contractors and qualified help.I hope this was enough info to make sense. 

With a VA loan, you will qualify for up to 1.3 Mil and you can buy up to a 4 unit. 

This might qualify.