I chose to venture down the path of a real estate agent because it requires less money to start-up... and it becomes very difficult to qualify for conventional loans without a solid employment or credit history. 

I'm currently employed full time and I have been in the Supply Chain/Logistics business since 2003. 

A couple agents that work at my brokerage also have other employment.

You get more rent If the voucher holder is employed and they take better care of your property That's all you need to do to make money in C markets.

You might be able to get a non-conforming loan with higher rate and down payment, but that would be dependent on your past employment and earning history.Upen Patel, Mortgage BankerFederal NMLS# 1374243

I decided the shrink was right and I made some major changes in my life, including a divorce and - more recently - I parted ways with my employer.  

Denise, that credit score will go a very long way from a bank's perspective so kudos to you for getting it up that high, FIS (Fair Isaac Score) is a lender's number 1 determination for a qualified candidate, after that your income and debt to income ratio, payment history, employment status, etc. will go into play.

There are many, many types of trusts, each drafted with a given set of objectives: privacy, asset protection, tax avoidance, charitable remainder trusts, generation skipping trusts, beach bum trusts, etc.Also, you need to be very specific as to the taxable events.

Are there any other employers in this area?

Yes, you can use it, but you'll likely need 2 years of tax returns for your self-employed income for it to count (if you're trying to get a conventional loan).