Intro

For most people, buying a home is already a complicated process…

But when you’re self-employed?

👉 It gets even more complicated

In this episode, Elijah Bilel sits down with Jahcorrian Burkes to break down:

• Why freelancers struggle to get approved
• What lenders are really looking for
• And how to position yourself to actually qualify

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Intro to Jahcorrian Burkes

Jahcorrian Burkes is a mortgage broker and real estate professional with years of experience helping clients buy and finance homes.

Throughout his career, he has:

• Built a strong reputation in real estate
• Helped clients navigate complex mortgage processes
• Coached individuals and teams toward financial success

Before entering real estate, he developed his financial foundation in the insurance industry, giving him a unique perspective on long-term wealth building.

👉 Connect with Jahcorrian Burkes on LinkedIn Here 
👉 Check out his book Here 

Episode Overview

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The biggest mistakes self-employed buyers make
• How mortgage lenders evaluate freelancers
• Why documentation is everything
• The role of networking in generating business
• How to build referral-based income

Listen to the Episode

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The Biggest Challenge for Self-Employed Buyers

One of the biggest issues?

👉 Not being fully transparent upfront

As Jahcorrian explains:

• Many self-employed individuals don’t disclose everything
• Income structures can be more complex
• This creates delays—or even deal failures

For example:

Someone might submit W-2 income…

But later it turns out:

👉 They actually own the business

Which changes EVERYTHING in underwriting  

Why This Matters

When lenders discover new information late:

• More paperwork is required
• Timelines get pushed back
• Deals can fall apart

Why Self-Employment Makes Things Harder

Unlike traditional employees:

👉 Your income isn’t “simple”

Lenders often require:

• Business tax returns
• Personal tax returns
• Profit & loss statements
• Consistent income history

Translation

👉 You have to prove stability

Even if you’re making good money

The Power of Preparation

One key takeaway from this episode:

👉 The process is MUCH easier if you prepare early

That means:

• Keeping accurate records
• Understanding how lenders think
• Structuring your income properly

Networking = Leads (And Opportunities)

One of the most valuable parts of this episode is how Jahcorrian generates business:

👉 Through networking groups

He highlights organizations like BNI (Business Network International) where:

• Business owners meet weekly
• Share referrals
• Build relationships

How It Works

• Each industry has one “seat”
• Members refer clients to each other
• Everyone benefits from shared networks

Why This Matters for Side Hustlers

If you’re self-employed:

👉 Networking can replace paid ads

Instead of chasing leads:

• You build relationships
• People bring leads to you

His Lead Generation Strategy (This Is Key)

Jahcorrian’s business is built on:

👉 Word of mouth

Specifically:

• Referrals from past clients
• Referrals from real estate agents
• Relationships built through networking

Why This Works

These leads are:

• Warmer
• More qualified
• Easier to close

He even mentions:

👉 70–80% close rates on referral leads

The “Do More Than You’re Paid For” Rule

This is one of the most important principles from the episode:

👉 Always overdeliver

Because when you do:

• Clients trust you
• They refer you
• Your business grows organically

Quantity vs Quality in Sales

There are two main approaches:

1. Volume-Based Sales

• Talk to a lot of people
• Close a small percentage

2. Relationship-Based Sales

• Fewer clients
• Higher trust
• More referrals

Jahcorrian leans toward:

👉 Relationship-based selling

Which leads to:

• Repeat business
• Referral pipelines
• Less need for constant prospecting

How This Applies to You

If you’re self-employed or freelancing:

👉 You don’t need MORE leads

You need:

• Better positioning
• Better relationships
• Better systems

Final Thoughts

Elijah Bilel and Jahcorrian Burkes make one thing clear:

👉 Being self-employed doesn’t disqualify you from buying a home

But…

👉 You DO have to be more intentional

If you:

• Keep clean records
• Understand the process
• Build strong relationships

You’ll not only qualify…

👉 You’ll put yourself in a position to win long-term

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