@James Warren High employment growth is the number one indicator that a market is getting ready to explode (at least that's what I've read, no deals under MY belt to back it up).

I'm also Employed Full-time But with Some Readjustment to my work Schedule I can Work as a Real Estate Agent.

I'm self-employed and I own investment property so that's already two strikes against me for underwriting complexity. 

But, I am planning on buying some properties conventionally in the near future and have been looking at the tax benefits/efficiency of the potential passive losses in regards to my tax situation.In my 'day job' I am self employed.

Another point to consider is a "Plan B" employment - areas like Washington DC, the Carolinas, Atanta, GA, and Florida have tons of contracting or consulting jobs for ex military.  

I'm doing the same, but my employers ESPP plan is similiar to NickB's but the limit only 10% of pretax income and the period is six months.  

I am a general contractor with over 10 years experience in commercial construction but working on being self employed as a builder/developer of SF custom homes.

That issue is a function of simply being farther away from urban centers which typically have more employment opportunities than rural locations.  

[yes, as I said, refinances exist]Better thread titles:Conversion of departing residence to rental.DTI, self employed 1.5 years.Is hard money necessary?

My wife and I currently maximize contributions to our employers 401K plans investing $30K per year above the amount needed for employer matches.