We were hoping for $1400-$1500(mortgage payment for us is $1280), and they have to pass the usual 3x rent combined income, full credit and background check (we will use rentprep.com), employment verification, etc.

Sometimes those Gig ads will lead to part time employment, if you're reasonably skilled. 

If you have an employer that matches 401k contributions, and are eligible to use a 401k loan as part of the down payment to buy a home, then effectively you've set it up so that your employer is giving you a tax-advantaged "retirement" bonus income that you can apply towards a down payment today.

I’ve taken a Real Estate Principles course that was offered and have a general understanding of RE just through my own self-education, but to gain even more insight I’m looking to become employed in an area that connects my Architecture knowledge with finance (so I will also have a better resume for applying for my MBA if I so choose later on).The closest route I have been thinking about is working for a construction firm – since there is typically more dialogue about the budget/financing than inside an architecture firm – but I wanted to ask you all what are the other best entry level positions for someone like me?

From there I get on the norristown high speed line which drops me off about a half mile from work where my employer runs a shuttle to the site.  

However, I have been told by a MA mortgage banker that FHA and MassHousing will require a letter from HR stating that I am able to work remotely or that my move would not impair my employment status.

Interview them and hire them just like a employer interviews a job applicant. 

Amazon currently employs 40,000 people in Seattle, up from about 5,000 seven or eight years ago. 

You can be sure that inner city business rents and rates are eye wateringly costly compared to offices established outside of the city centre and that the professional and admin staff would cost a lot more to employ.

If it is in a 401k with a current employer it might be difficult to get at it.