My company already owns (we developed) an RV Park, a 6 plex, and several other single family rent homes that we are rehabbing at the moment.Also, once “self employed” how do you go about proving employment?

There is usually a higher business cost to use those experienced contractors who are properly insured and have a great track record.One of the few times I see investors get a great rate and high quality work is if either they employ the contractor directly so their jobs are the sole focus or they do lots of volume to give a contractor team consistent work.It sounds like you are playing in the one off space with an non-certified contractor hours away from where you are.

Calling prior landlords, verifying employment etc.. 

Also, I hear Huntsville, Alabama is actually poised to be #1 in employment growth, so that's definitely great for your long term rentals there!

My goal is to make enough passive income to “retire” in my 40’s ( 7-10 years) My wife and I are still employed, but my wife no longer can work overtime.We have money to invest in our first rental property, but should I use the Cares Act to pull money from my 401k without penalty and invest in more properties?

But, my town is also the state capital, near pretty major centers of employment and the highway.

Yeah, there are a lot of bogus click bait type articles claiming 30-35% drop in San Francisco rents.

The best thing you can do, is just a good employer and keep them on track, keep checking up on the progress, be quick on any questions or concerns that come up.

I am self employed and have always been an entrepreneur.

Therefore since my early years I didn’t see much chance of being self employed successfully.