I'm actually in a unique situation though where I'm kind of my boss so I have a lot of flexibility with my own schedule and I know most people probably don't have that.

They are generally more flexible than the bank and it sounds like you will have cash to invest. 

I am a scientist in Cambridge right now, and I would really like to have more job flexibility so I don't need to commute 4 hours a day!  

For residential lending, try to lower income through the use of entities, then go on income contingent payment plans, then borrow through Fannie Mae's program that allows for the lower monthly payments for calculating DTI.For commercial financing, use the entities to pursue commercial financing based on the target's financials not personal debt.Either way, shoot for a 800 FICO while starting an entity or few, season business credit and leverage flexibility in income, financing, taxes and other benefits!

Texas costs $300 to form vs Florida at $150 and they to have state income tax both very flexible.

If you have good credit then homestyle is flexible.

All that said, if the right deal comes up, I am flexible.

Because obviously if time was their only issue on that you could get in at that price since you are flexible on time. 

Having the tenants on a month-to-month lease will allow yourself some flexibility with the sale.

I was looking for something flexible that paid more than minimum wage while in school so it fit my needs at the time.