You are now FIRE (Financially Independent through Real Estate).

Yes you’re an independent contractor but you’ll want to have that discussion just to be up front with them.

Although, I have to thank him, because I see the potential of real estate investment being my knight-in-shining-armor bringing me to my goal of Financial Independence in the next five years. 

Just getting into the cash flow/financially independent life idea myself.

Independent academic experts from Stanford, UC Berkeley and the USC all agree these policies will discourage new construction and reduce availability of affordable and middle-class housing – and drive up rents for many Californians.

They will get sent the bills by the utility company and they'll pay it independent of you. 

I have a lot to learn.My goal:  to be a financially stable artist (ideally financially independent-ish).   

I see a couple out there (Fundrise $500M, Bridge Housing $500M, Virtua Partners $200M and independent funds) and wanted to hear from other investors what they thought of the funds.

Both are focused more on personal finance and financial independence, but they'll discuss some real estate specific topics from time to time.

Once I have achieved financial independence, I would probably be my own GC on my own investments.