By the way you explain it I know it wasn't easy,,but nothing in life worth having is.  

If your life savings is 35k, then you cannot afford to do this with cash.

I see unexplainable debts (possible amounts owed to prior landlords) and late utilities as bad, but the rest is just the poor personal fiannce habits or life circumstances that make applicants renters rather than owners.- Having roots in the community, normally having lived in that neighborhood for several years, or in this case being close to her parents adds screening points.

You should start by reading "Set For Life" by Scott Trench.

As I said, the stakes feel even higher now because I’m closer to where I want to be in life, but I feel like stashing away capital right now would be a move, fueled by fear, what do you guys think?

After months of here pressuring me to go DoD as GS once I retire (Which is the last thing I want, my life and time being managed without control) But, she’s opened up and talked about doing "flips" as a direction and is excited in that aspect.

There are so many things that can be automated, makes life easy. 

Best things in life are free.... or a percentage of your first deal

The state has numerous cases against agents for not having fees pass through the broker. 

@John Thomson the answer is, in the very basic 'big picture' (skip to last paragraph for small picture), the numerical 'volume' of net migration to your area.