You have demonstrated your ability to save, coupled with the fact that your credit is excellent....You are on your way to achieving your RE investment goal.But, you might want to look outside of NY as well, so that you are not turned off completely from getting involved with RE investment because of the NY high priced market.Frankly, I myself have invested out of state because of this very reason.

Can you demonstrate investment intent?

I know how Multi-Families are valued by the bank,  based on the rental income but I wanted to add the part about how the area is not appreciating to demonstrate the need to NOT factor that in.    

@Demetrius Gatling - Congratulations and best wishes on your REI journey.You have certainly demonstrated that you are action oriented, committed and fearless at at your age.I and fellow BPers are here to help and will motivate you to build your portfolio.You have taken the first step today.

Do I have to wait a couple years so I can demonstrate more clearly that I do indeed have a sustainable business model, or does having continuous income whether it's from my own income or from a regular W-2 job count?

Again, demonstrate some leadership and initiative. 3.

How do we, as realtors, demonstrate our professionalism and ethics and alleviate your fears?

Just sounds like the branch president is doing a CYA.They want to show they didn't let you run wild so if something imploded later they wouldn't be seen as grossly negligent.Employees and board of directors at banks worry about their jobs and facing criminal charges if a bank goes belly up down the road.The bank is demonstrating prudence.  

You are not allowed to ask that the animal demonstrate the support task.Pet Fees/Deposits. 

They have to demonstrate they are an actual buyer who can perform.