Not sure if you know this though...but when you get a fha loan for 3 flat, it has to pass the self-sufficiency test.

Photos / videos are not sufficient.  

I hope to meet many people who may help me in my journey to financial freedom and also being able to start a generation in my family who can be self-sufficient and don’t have to work that 9-to-5.

@Joel O.Based on your OP, assuming even the 75% income credit... it would appear that your rentals are either losing too much money (based on standard underwriting) or you are shielding too much income in your tax filing.If your 75% rental credit, for that specific rental you have is sufficient to cover the debt and operating costs, then that should technically not affect your DTI a bit.

To build something that really is a retirement/ life insurance replacement - it needs to be self sufficient.

In the location where I invest, obtaining a standard rental license is sufficient for rentals lasting over 30 days, and this option is generally more affordable and less complicated compared to obtaining a short-term rental license.

The issue will be the FHA self sufficiency test. 

Small passive income that is sufficient by reducing consumption and spending.

My understanding is that if you have a regular job, it's almost impossible to sufficiently claim REPS.  

Your only option then is FHA which you will need to basically find a 2 unit under $500k because the self sufficiency test is very hard to pass for 3 or 4 units.