I believe you're on the right track. 

It's a tough lesson but alternatives would be hard money or private money for two years until you get two years of tax returns filed where you've actually proven you can make more via commission and then get traditional financing. 

I can only recommend to ask sponsors for their track records.

I know if I stay on track, focused, determined, I can buy 1 or 2 rental properties a year.

Also, https://joefairless.com/5-proven-ways-attract-passive-apartment-investors/.

The money should be placed in separate accounts and tracked separately.

Once you get more experience, expand you net and your agent should be good with this since you've proven that you're a serious buyer.I'm not sure why the agent wouldn't be willing to work with foreclosures unless she was referring to "auction" properties. 

They trusted me and saw that I had a track record of rehabbing lots of houses for years(not my first deal or second deal or third deal).

We have a great book keeper that tracks all expenses and income; we have an amazing CPA that helps us with Cost Segregations; we have a very good banking relationship with our bank and I handle all the legal work and tenant issues if there is a need for evictions. 

I'm ultimately just looking for some sort of advice; or maybe even just a nod of approval that I am on the "right" track.