Banks are less open to it but talking with the right ones (especially the right mortgage broker) might do the job. 

This way I could slowly build equity in this property while I live there and do my daily job.

Hey @Tom Pubins - I would highly suggest using www.hemlane.com they syndicate to many different sites and have a very clean platform to manage tenant screening. 

Some great suggestions here already.

When evaluating rental properties, aside from school districts and convenience, consider factors like neighborhood amenities (parks, restaurants, shopping), rental demand, job market trends, property condition, potential for appreciation, and rental income compared to expenses (including taxes, insurance, and maintenance).

It doesn't necessarily equate to small jobs.

My job is to make repairs and get the place lease optioned so it is producing income to cover the interest payments I need to make to the lender.

Using income from jobs, isn't any faster, and can actually take longer. 

If your plans have now changed from how this was underwritten, I would suggest you simply check with your lender.

I focus a lot on the income side of things, such as how much they are paid monthly, how long they have been at their current job and/or in the career field.