My husband has excellent/perfect credit and a steady income.

You already have some experience and with additional effort, will quickly climb the REI ladder to its pinnacle.To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.You didn't mention a niche that you plan to focus on, but, below are links to set you thinking.https://www.udemy.com/biggerpockets-real-estate-investing-course/ (video with 64 lectures and approx 6hrs of material)https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing (Ultimate beginner's guide to REI) Before your 1st purchase, please ensure you visit the below link for some tips.https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2014/12/19/real-estate-investing-success-smart-tips/Below are some quick links to get engaged on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/rulesREI books suggested by BPershttp://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

You can always start moving forward toward your real estate goals while working and drawing a presumably steady income with benefits.  

You already have some experience and with additional effort, will quickly climb the REI ladder to its pinnacle.To be more successful, you simply have to work on the other elements to progress your REI pursuit.Below are some quick links to get engaged on this site. http://www.biggerpockets.com/startherehttp://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSetting up Keyword AlertsHow to Use @Mentions on BiggerPocketshttps://www.biggerpockets.com/rulesREI books suggested by BPers http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2013/04/14/best-real-estate-books/?

Thanks for the info, encouragement and links, LinvalI will be interacting a lot more on here as things progress and go through real-time experiences and can add value to the topics discussed here on BP.

Some of these can come as you progress forward. 

agreed, for most beginners and those building their holdings, the day job is part of the platform from which you work, something that helps propel you forward in real estate and investing (a lever to do more, not hold you back), allowing for steady income, access to credit, benefits and security....part of the beauty of part time landlording, for example, is that if done right, you can work many day jobs.....

I also have 2 rehabs in progress in Phoenix and am getting ready to purchase two more flips in Phoenix.

I have a steady 9-5 job in IT so this will be part-time for now.

It depends on how good your credit is, and how steady your income is, but based on my experience I would think at a minimum for your investment they will want to see that you have enough cash available for a Down Payment + Closing Costs (5K) + 2months Taxes/Insurance.