This is directly from fanniemae.com:Self-Employed IncomeRequirements:The lender must verify the existence of the borrower's business within 120 calendar days prior to the note datefrom a third party, such as a CPA, regulatory agency, or the applicable licensing bureau, if possible; orby verifying a phone listing and address for the borrower's business using a telephone book, the Internet, or directory assistance.The lender must document the source of the information obtained and the name and title of the lender's employee who obtained the information.When it gets convoluted and CPA letters can genuinely save the day is when they are using business funds for the down payment or when it's a job with no license, no website, etc... basically "gig economy" type folks, or the guy that painted your home or tutors math for your kids, even if they report all their income to the IRS and pay taxes on it, can still be screwed.

In Texas, if you can manage property effectively, find property that cash flows well day one with 20% down and stay in the range of rents $1200 or below you should feel good about market dynamics regardless of what the economy is doing.  

Have an ultra reliable income machine for when the economy ***** the bed.4.

My business partner and I are small time, doing maybe 2 flips per year so we don't have economies of scale but pay nowhere near those prices. 

While I currently reside in New York City, I'm interested in investing in the Triangle region because of it's strong growth, tech-based economy (example of article in the link below) and my brother resides in Raleigh.

I am being pretty cautious at the moment because it feels like there is little appreciation available and if the economy turns even a little it could make these close deals a huge albatross.  

Have to kick over a lot of stones to find that next jewel, especially in a booming economy/hot market. 

When the economy is expanding, owners need to rent space.

I do one years service calls in advance, getting huge economy of scale, rather than having to go in and out scheduling with tenant.

Just like real estate, there is no “best” real estate strategy that works for everyone.The best approach is to figure out what you want to do (more vacations but in economy, fewer but in First/Biz Class, aspirational hotel stays, etc), then devise a plan that will help you get there.Hit me up if you chat about it more.