Self employeed trying to buy first property

Hi,

I'm trying to get my first rental property but don't have a w2 that shows substantial income. I'm self employed and I barely even pay myself on paper so I'm wondering how I can actually get my first mortgage. I tried to get a VA mortgage but they said since I don't have a w2 that shows much they can't do much.

What can I do to make this work? I have enough cash in pocket to put down as a down payment but still won’t be able to get a mortgage.

Any help will be appreciated!