Starting out at 20 y/o

[Mali Rupp-Musser]

Hey everyone, 

First of all hello! My name is Mali and I am a 20 y/o CS and finance major. I'm new here. I have some questions about getting started and advice on the plan I have drawn up so far. 

I don't have enough for a down payment yet, so that will happen over the next year or so. 

My question is, what do I REALLY need to qualify for a 75-100k loan as young as I am? My income is cash only, so should I be depositing everything I can as proof of income? Side note: the income is not from a business I own either, I'm an exotic dancer. Not sure if that changes how I should approach it. 

What do mortgage brokers look at for tax returns? Credit score? 

I want to make sure my finances look as solid as they can when I go to apply in a year to two years. 

In addition, if anyone has any other personal advice for me related to the type of property I should buy first, strategies, or even just their own personal story of starting out very young, I would love to hear it! I'm constantly reading books and articles but it's always interesting to hear difference in opinions from people I have real contact with. 

Thank you for your time!