Many traditional lenders will require a 2 year seasoning on employment. 

If you want to do employment verification ask for the past three pay stubs and even call HR to verify.

There is just less employment options for potential tenants than in Norristown

As I'm walking down the hallway at work to start another long shift for mediocre pay, I saw a post that my employer will cover up to 80% of tuition costs should I choose to go back to school.

One option is to transfer more funds to the 401k form other IRAs or former employer plans. 

If that's not possible I suggest you get an intent to hire letter from your future employer at least 2 months before your end of tour.Good Luck

As of now my brother has been employed for the past year and currently I'm looking for a job myself (also I understand it won't mean anything to a lender until after at least six months of employment).

If you're not paying interest or if you're employing tactics to avoid paying interest, you're not attractive as a potential borrower.

I did run credit check/criminal background check on the husband but not on the wife yet but I spent so much time and effort verifying their employment, residency history and checking their personal reference.

You can then fund it with a rollover from a 401k with a previous employer, or from a regular IRA.