It is rented at around $1,975/ month.Tech ridge by itself is booming with employers, 3M moving in there.

I can't tell you what you are missing, but this is definitly click bait. 

My wife is a W2 wage earner and I am 1.5 years self employed (yeah I know) though our adjusted gross income is decent, credit score is good, DTI is good I'm still concerned I'm missing something.

Keep in mind that you don't have to pay self employment taxes on rental income, savings and also if you do make a profit you can deduct 20% of your income under a new tax law if you spend I think something like 250 hours per year. 

What strategy did you guys employ on buying your 2nd rental during the downturn.

You can't "employ" someone without paying them.

Should I attempt to verify employment again anyways?

As @Scott Mac said, you should also check with the police as they may be able to give you more insight on the property.Finally, what the the employment and population like in this area?

Newer firms that don't have a loyal following might be more likely to employ 506(c) to recruit investors because they need to advertise in order to find enough investors. 

A degree in a Major where you come out of the gate running and employable is also an option.