Your rental income will count, at least after 1-2 years depending on the mortgage source.

That said, I'm sure there are plenty of TK folks that are totally professional so I'm not picking on them--just speculating on the source of the OP's experience as described in the post.

And while it sounds all "tough guy" to say you or your cronies will keep mum when the IRS asks questions.....that is not what happens in practice when they shine the light on you.Tracking source of funds to a separate LLC that you funded in  a "private" state - even if it is "owned" in "someone else's name" (aka via a nominee) is easily done if you are the IRS. 

I have been doing it for 4 years now, it is not a great source of income, more work, some of them are demanding, but better than having a vacancy.If you are not responsive, you might have vacancy.I basically charge little higher and make them pay one rent everything included.Provide everything except cable.

So I'm trying to get qualified for a mortgage but the main source of income is our short term rental property that we have only had since March but we have made a lot of money on it..hence the $$ for another property!

These problems are best prevented by removing any source of confusion. 

too much money chasing to few deals which leads to over paying.also sellers know this so they keep reserves up.. key is to follow them many times they don't sell and come back on at lower prices you have to work to get deals on that site..

The key is the funds for rehab/development that is necessary during a 30 month period.

The key really is the Trust connected to the LLC. 

We are using Redfin/Trulia/Zillow etc as our main source of info.