What are some other lesser know yet effective methods or capturing leads before they go to the MLS/auction?  

In this case it's income and employment is 3 months. 

OR - if you're willing to bust your butt and make it happen, build the infrastructure of your organization, be methodical about it, and go to town!  

Currently our home has 150k-180k in equity (depending on an additional legal addition of property to the backyard) and im not yet sure as to what method to pursue.I dont intend to dive completely into real estate investing as my sole career but do wish to acquire enough passive income to work as little as possible while attending graduate school a year from now.

For instance, we took out a 3.5% down payment FHA loan for a condo when we transferred for employment, allowing us a larger, nicer place for $100s less per month than we were paying for our tiny apartment nearby.  

Fun fact, I resigned after my employer began investigating my daily work activities after I was interviewed on the BP podcast.What were you doing before, and what do you do now (professionally)?

There you might find different methods that might work for you, whether in state or out of state.Hope that help.Rafael

I have been self employed and don't prove the income necessary for a bank to loan me the money.

Anyone have any tips on a better method to reach out and get some potential deals.

Next, I would look into other more broad categories such as job growth, capitalization rate movements, demographic shifts, education levels, dependence on certain industries (regarding employment), public transportation, city development programs, etc.Regarding unemployment, I think there's a catch to low unemployment.