I have asked to lower the rent from $1200 to $1100.  

If you intend to invest in the lower mainland, you will find it to be very competitive right now and deals go quickly.

One block may be good and just a block away values can be much lower.

I also paid back money on the loan to lower my debt.

Here's my situation:I am currently working as a 1099 employee, but I haven't been here for the two year time frame that traditional lenders require.

The rules to Fannie/Freddie loans is that you have to loan in a person's name. 30 year fixed rates here with a lower rate than other loan types.

You didn't mention if you were receiving cash out or not but the "Loan to Value" is higher on a SFH and the rate is lower. 

This, Bryant is spot on with the lower down payment, you also get lower interest rates, and with roommates you can significantly lower what you owe.Plus if you are a student, you have cost avoidance. 

If it says based on net sales price, then it is on the lower number.

They want you to get your license though because your worth is significantly lower while you are not licensed because you're not allowed to communicate with other Agents about most things they might be calling the office about, nor accessing homes, nor talking to clients in anything other than a receptionist capacity.If they find you valuable once you start, they might ask you to show homes for them, or to do some of the work that they like the least.