Here's my recommendations:When can your bank start using rental income from future properties to help me qualify for the loan?

But if it were me and you thought they were good tenants then I'd offer them the out, with a signed addendum, and let them know if they can use you for a future rental reference.Just my .02

Etsy and Artfire selling hand made or custom itemsEbay stores selling items you find in your area that others can't find or get easilyCreate a blog discussing something you are good or passionate about for advertising incomeStart a youtube channel for advertising incomeStart a services based business doing something you are good at and advertise on CraigslistCheck the Craigslist gigs area for one time quick gigs you can get that work around your scheduleUber or lyft as a driverHouse hack, or buy a house and rent out all but your roomWhile saving move your money from bank to bank to gain their 3 or 6 month bonuses like $300 bonus for holding your money in their savings for 90 days, then move it to the next bank offering that.Sell everything you are no longer usingSell photographs to stock photo websites like istock, depositphotos, etcBuy pallets of overstock/returns to ship and have Amazon sellBuild websites for companies using wordpressOffer to maintain the social media for all business owners you know, and take a monthly fee for some extra facebook and twitter time.Become a long distance digital assistant for some REI investors that need you to analyze deals, juggle calls, etc allowing you to learn along the wayOf course any job working in the industry you are looking to get into like an working with a realtor, investor, broker, mortgage agent, etc would be preferred since it gives you further advantages in future investments.Let us know what you decide to do!

I have never seen Zillow being able to accurately predict the future appreciation of properties, although the past appreciation does seem pretty reliable. 

Low inventory will drive prices up in future.

I want to make use of my blank LLC to build credit for the future. 

@Jason SternThe Solo 401(k) is going to provide the maximum benefit as far as deductions and flexibility with future investments.Since you are maxing out your $18,500 contributions in your current plan, you would not be able to take advantage of employee deferrals in your own separate plan. 

I am looking for financial tips for my particular situation.... I am a firefighter and also a self employed business owner. I work full time as a firefighter in Miami working my normal 24hrs on, 48hrs off. I also work...

I'm a complete newbie at Real Estate Investing (absolutely no experience) and I'm just looking to learn as much as possible and find ways to possibly contribute in the future.   

Their future home is not going to be available until then, they would be sleeping in a hotel, so the closing time frame was incredibly important to them.