@Ben Visser Yes, agencies are tightening the screws.

Unfortunately, many solo 401k participants often don’t understand that the same distribution rules that apply to full-time employer plans (i.e., those plans with full-time employees besides the business owner(s)) also apply to solo 401k plans.  

Remember, whenever you hire someone on a regular basis (W2), you face State Employment Regulations: { ssi, workmans comp, tax withholding }. 

I've been self employed my entire life so headaches are not new to me.  

Some small banks and credit unions prefer to kick any deal where rental income is needed to qualify over to their commercial department so they can swing higher rates, ARMs, and points up-front.You can get a 30YF Agency loan on a residential rental property, assuming no commercial characteristics (storefront etc), the property is in fanciable condition, and you otherwise qualify.

How would you employ that strategy specific to my scenario?

@William Rankins - You will report that as self employment income.

I am wanted to know what some of you have done to possibly unofficially/officially employ these guys to help me drive streets, look for properties that are distress or fit my criteria from the curb in my farm area, and take addresses for me to later contact after scrubbing through them at home.Ideas so far: just feeling this out with several high school/college age friends my wife and I know, a general consensus is that most would be happy to do this for just a full take of gas and if we land a deal they get a cut/flat rate.

I think this scenario only works because of the short timeline -- but the last thing you want is him asking for more time come May.If he is highly likely to regain employment do you think he would be wiling to entertain signing another one year lease?

There is a class A office condo for sale in a great area, it is part of a 9 unit building, all of the offices are occupied with layers, architects, dr office, insurance agency's.