Partner with someone who has cash in a savings account earning only 1%. 

If it gets set up properly the earned income rental tax issue shouldn't be a problem going forward, and if for some reason they have to go back and pay adjustments on past income earned that's what get's done. 

You paid $53k to earn that so $3,125 / $53,000 = 5.9% return.

Solo 401k is for earned self employment income.

Our triplex is empty and closing Feb. 1, in a great location, and we want a company who will find great tenants and who earns our trust.  

They are in the business of earning a return for their investors.

If I understand correctly, for a brokers license you need to have the 8 required courses earned with a bachelors degree or work under an agent for 2 years to qualify for the test.

Should I pull the trigger or hold my hard earned savings for a possible pull-back in the future economy?

I'm just unclear on why my business partner and I who both earn over 100k annually and have credit scores in the 760's will have trouble getting a loan?

Waiting a month or two is not that big of deal for the right property and the delta between a rent payment and the interest portion of the mortgage payment for that amount of time is not that much money relative to the earning potential of getting the right property.