My wife and I are looking to begin our real estate investing, by using the buy and hold strategy, as one of our avenues to gain financial freedom from our current full time employment.

I have been working with one bank for 10 months  ( we have been members of this bank for over 25 years )  the underwriters are so slow I have given up on them I have a credit score of 740 but I guess being self employed is the problem.What I am trying to do is get a down payment to purchase more property , or possible something more creative basically I feel I have some equity buy I just don't have the knowledge yet to  capitalize on the properties equity.If anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it

I have been working with one bank for 10 months ( we have been members of this bank for over 25 years ) the underwriters are so slow I have given up on them I have a credit score of 740 but I guess being self employed is the problem.What I am trying to do is get a down payment to purchase more property , or possible something more creative basically I feel I have some equity buy I just don't have the knowledge yet to capitalize on the properties equity.If anyone has any advice I would greatly appreciate it

It is pass through income at your marginal federal rate plus 15.6% or so of self employment FICA plus any state or local income tax you might have.  

I know the person is employed and with their permission I can ask HR for employment verification and comp information.C.

Think of it as a tool similar to an IRA, however whenever health care needs arise you can use it.Another thing I have found through trial and error is that when you do need health care, if you tell the office to bill you as uninsured and that you will pay the day of service if they give you a discount, after you fight through the confused looks of the Accounts receivable dept - you can see a significant discount.A couple strategies I would employ and will employ when I cross that bridge.  

I always feel that at an interview, let your passion for the industry and drive shine through - be excited about the employment opportunity. 

He is currently self employed but when we move he is closing his business and looking for a job. 

Also, the property is very close to my husband's employment and he is very good with repairs, so he would be doing most of the maintenance.

In case you end up doing it yourself, I use rentecdirect.com and I call past and current landlords and verify employment as well.