Keep that private money working for you and earning a healthy rate of return for your investors and you're now in a great spot if you can keep the mill churning.

I am getting kind of confused now Agent's don't technically earn fees or commissions.

Not being a w2 employee my expenses are deducted out of earnings so it shows less.

We both have descent credit scores (above 750 Fico), nominal amount of debt, have a combined income of $125K (I earn 80K, she earns 45K) and would like to get some feedback to determine the best approach when applying for a second mortgage.

He needs more security and maybe some instruction on what savings accounts are earning and what prime rates are on mortgages.  

Assuming a gross rent of $2,100 per month means you will earn $25,200 annually.

Yet establishing a 'trusting relationship' for long-term projects must be earned and its going to take time.

Currently I'm attending my local community college to earn a degree in Business Management Real Estate Specialazation.

You could probably for the moment dump the money into a couple Money Market accounts so that it is still liquid but also earning a little interest (more than savings account). 

Would you spend $480 dollars today, get your money back in 8 months, and then earn $890 a little over 2 years from now?