I was self employed and had clients like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Elizabeth Arden and others in the cosmetic industry. When I tried to buy a house I was told I wasn’t able to provide documented sources for my income even though I could show check stubs. The mortgage broker told me that if I worked as a bag boy at Harris Teeter Grocery and my wife was a cashier, he’s loan us the money. Like yourself, I created my income out of thin air but it’s not respected. I right after that, started a company doing the exact same thing and was able to buy several houses in 2 years. That was in Wilmington, NC and I now live in Asheville still operating that company 26 years later. Congrats to you Christina and keep it up as there is nothing more rewarding than checks in the mail. :)