I had significant PAL in the first couple years due to bonus depreciation and other factors, and I expect positive passive income moving forward which I'd like to continue offsetting as long as possible. 

Unless you are using commission, bonus, or have variable income to qualify, you should not need to wait 2 years for conventional financing, which will have lower rates and less down payment required than DSCR (assuming you plan to house hack).

Personally I wouldn’t count any Apple profits and just count that as a bonus unless you’re planning for that to be your new job. 

Wyoming's quick registration is a nice bonus too.

I would then keep the extra hours going towards increasing my pension, extra overtime hours that would have been spent on my rental, my year-end bonus would be bigger, and I can come it with a significantly higher cost basis lowering my tax liability.

We used tax returns, work bonus payments, any extra money for down payments and for renovation. 

I agree with Rhett that you really need to look at cashflow as your primary objective and consider any appreciation as a bonus.

(more on this below).And Some lending institutions are even trying to claw back hiring bonuses previously given to employees!

I will buy materials on the credit card for the sign up bonuses.

You should get a sign up bonus.