For a conventional loan (again, Fannie/Freddie) part of the loan process is to call your job to see if you are leaving. 

im thinking of buying a house that uses gas.sidenote: im the type of guy who can live in a cold house. i just need a lil hat and some a warm joggers. ill even go as far as wearing long johns. f that heat. a better alternative is to buy yourself a crypto miner. them things make so much heat. theyre just loud. too loud.

The best way to scale up is to sell any SFHs and purchase multi units(5+ units value driven by cap rates).You could continue buying SFHs but that will only increase your work load and risk. 

Referrals and kissing a lot of frogs.Another option for you is to look at passive commercial opportunities that comply with 1031 exchanges. 

I think of rental properties as assets whose purpose it is to generate income.  

If you get a great deal, you would end up with a good amount of equity and are better protected.If you provide seller financing, your recourse is to foreclose, thus the need for a decent amount of equity. 

My goal is to eventually become financially independent so I dont have to depend on my job and do the things that I enjoy.

The goal is to base your decision on something real.Hope that helps.

Good morning everyone,Name is Theodore I am currently working as an IT but my goal is to branch off and do Real estate full time.

Another great way to get started is to partner up with people, especially those with experience.