My best guess would be to start with employment statistics.

As employment rates pick up, KSU, and other major growth drivers pick up, I think you'll see the area kick into an even higher gear.  

However, I went back and got my MBA and found it invaluable (though my employer did pay for it). 

For instance, mine asks for their next of kin, emergency contacts, friends/relatives, employer, where they bank, etc. 

First of all, investors prefer to invest in businesses, not the self-employed.

I want good tenants with 600 + credit scores, solid employment, and positive prior landlord references.  

@Timothy McKinneyIf your partner is self-employed, he should consider opening a self-directed solo 401k, then transferring his former employer 401k to it and then processing a solo 401k participant loan.

I sold my business and have a little money to move into full time real estate but cant show good enough tax returns right now being I was self employed and beat it down real far.

Plenty of land available and plenty of employment opportunities.  

I know often employers don't want to add another head count to their tax docs.