have you ever been in sales.. have you ever sold cars... do you know how to qualify present and close do you know how to ask for the order.do you understand the escrow function.. do you realize selling real estate in CA without a license is not legal.. how are you going to get these leads.. if 997 is stretching your budget then your only course of action is bird dog.. talk  pound on doors.. but even that takes time and car and gas money especially in LA..being with limited funds and doing anything real estate related in California is a pretty tall order with a failure rate I suspect at greater than 99%.I think if you want in the industry you should apply and get a job as an assistant to a top producer get PAID to learn .. save your money.. then think about next step.one thing I have seen in my years is starting real estate agents who get on teams work for 3 to 5 years build their confidence and bank account then go out on their own.. many to start their own business in 7 to 10 years.Also if your VERY detailed oriented one other way to be self employed is to start at a mortgage company and learn how to process loans..

The Metroplex proper has mostly tech and other professional type employers plus a bit of heavy industry and defense contractors. 

Not because of discrimination but by the luck of the draw because I run credit reports and verify employment.

Welcome to self employment. 

As long as you meet the credit requirements, have the 3 percent down paymentand have steady employment, you will likely be approved.

Judgment needs to be employed, having to go to court to patrician a property or force sale is costly and takes time, but with the proper agreements you'll be in the driver's seat.

I'm a self-employed CPA out of Northeastern PA and am just beginning to really research real estate investing and rentals.

I'd like to be eventually self employed, but real estate is my primary goal in life.

Must have a steady employment history or worked for the same employer for the past two yearsMy jobs are currently under-the-table.. so no W2's or any official documentation to report.. this seems like a deal-breaker, but on the same token, if I do move to a place I like and commit 2 years in the local scene I would probably be getting more than min. wage by then.Your front-end ratio (mortgage payment plus HOA fees, property taxes, mortgage insurance, home insurance) needs to be less than 31 percent of your gross income, typically.

Were both self employed.