I would try the owner finance rout with you putting money down.The reason I say this is I helped many people improve credit scores back when I was in residential years ago.It's not just about credit score anymore.A bank will see you starting a job in a new field after quitting school as high risk and not stable yet.Generally underwriters like to see 2 years in the same line of work for stability and to get an average for your income over time.They also do not like to use bonuses for debt ration versus income as that can swing wildly unlike a fixed amount.So for example if you are averaging 5,000 a month but 50% is bonus that is looked at more risky than 20% bonus and 80% salary.This is why I say even if you get the credit score up it will help but time on the job will be a big roadblock with conventional lenders.This is why with your cash I thought get a few owner finance deal sunder your belt purchasing correctly and then you can have assets and cash flow with built in equity.You can then use these properties as collateral with some lenders.As has been said they generally don't care who you are if the value is low enough going in.With credit it is simple you just challenge it on your report (check all 3) exquifax,experian,trans union and then they have up to 30 days generally to respond.If they don't respond with evidence it gets removed.Do not leave a written statement on the credit report if they won't take it off the first time as that does nothing for you.In fact it can actually hurt your chances of removal in the future.Also do not pay an old collection that is coming off in a few years.If you owe 1,000 and it has been in collections for 5 years and is slated to come off in 2 years then calling them up and even paying a dollar REFRESHES the collection and makes it new again.If you challenge it multiple times and cannot get it removed then you can try for "payment for deletion" where they wipe the negative account completely off the credit reports for settling the account.Make sure you get the agreement in writing or it's not worth anything.

My first property was a condominium in a golfing community.

We could swing renting it out but would need to work out the numbers.

If it's swinging a hammer, learn how to be great at that; if it's long term rentals, study up, know the areas you like in town, talk with property managers, real estate agents, and other lenders.

There's a huge difference when 10M+ don't get their jobs back and the unemployment gravy train runs out.I know people in my own family who lost jobs, were enjoying unemployment (golfing 5x per week), now they're back at work with reduced hours. 

As you get into Fletcher, Candler, and Canton you may see bigger swings, but I think Waynesville, Black Mountain, and Hendersonville have become destination towns all by themselves, and will continue to have upward pressure. 

These same hustlers also make great wholesale deals as well as there are plenty of fix and flip investors starving for opportunities to swing their hammers. 

Will be swinging through there in a month actually.

Having your own buyers agent will provide you with an education, and will insulate you from the listing agents.From what you're saying, I think these agents are trying to verify you really can swing a 10% downpayment. 100% financing is pretty much a thing of the past.

High end market, retail, entertainment and a renovated golf course to name a few.