These methods have proven quite accurate.Then you need to run your own numbers and see if the property will hold at the "market" rent.My experience: The market is usually quite accurate and unless you are dealing with luxury property, rents are pretty uniform in specific areas.

Also, if there are agents involved in the deal this method would be challenging.

One thing, without competition everything will be stagnant because competition compels an individual, organization and so on to find better method of doing things.ThanksMatthew. 

When responding please inform me of methods, books, podcasts, advice, etc. of ways that I can start with no money, no good credit, and land some money in my pocket!

There are other methods, such as credit cards that offer introductory rates for balance transfers.

This work for rent sounds bit extreme, but I have definitely heard of legitimate, capable workers who is willing to take a discounted pay for 1) long term, regular job and 2) dree housing.  

It's a "pull" method from their account, as opposed to what it seems like your friend set up, which is a "push" method from their account to his.I love not having to chase checks.

The last year we have come to realize it's nice having one of us home so I started looking into other methods of income.

Unfortunately (or fortunately), we don't have enough snow/ice down here in Memphis to use that method.  

Additionally, is there another method of financing that would be easier to arrange under my current circumstance... maybe buying an REO with an interest only loan and using hard money for repair costs...?