I am always interested in business ventures and real estate has especially peaked my interest.I began looking into real estate investing to prepare myself for my first home purchase and soon found it to be very intriguing and now view it at minimum as a major investing avenue and likely a soon to be business.

I have no experience with the software but here are a few forum posts comparing and reviewing it:http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/79/topics/44375-freedom-soft-anyone-plan-on-purchasing-it-http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/79/topics/91576-would-like-opinions-on-freedomsoft-program-offeringhttp://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/79/topics/67210-realeflow-open-road-3x-versus-freedomsoft-vs-sims-20http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/79/topics/83761-my-review-of-investorpro-vs-realeflow-vs-freedomsoft

It also makes the process easier.Your very first consideration should be to become very knowledgeable and prepared.

The programs where tenants pay a smaller amount/fee to "guarantee" a security deposit?

He has tried on his own via a B&I program but local banks didn't bite.

This sounds like a guru program in progress, and I commend you for dialing for deals.My guess is you are just getting started and this seems very risky.

I see it as creating the rules and instructions to a board game in order to prepare myself to play it.

Now, keep in mind that was just two programs at the federal level.

I'm new to real estate and am working through my initial education phase.My first goal is to purchase 5 rental properties because I love recurring income and believe that this strategy is best suited for my goals and personality.I'm still a ways off from going through my first deal, but as I prepare, I have a question about financing that I think I need to start addressing now...I freelance for a living and I think that this may make it more difficult for me to get a loan since I don't have a "stable income."

The plan I would say is find a path that allows you to gain that exposure and be prepared to modify your goals as you discover things you didn't know.