After getting the licence, can I start up my own firm, or do I have to work for another real estate company for 2 years before opening up my own? 

Study to get the licence (go thru the process), renew license, zero complaints 3.

I am also currently getting my Real Estate Licence.

Its their labor,   truck costs,  disposal costs,   licences, certifications, and all the taxes and stuff they have to pay.Also be careful that the full wall demo (last picture,  with furnace in it)  isn't a load bearing wall.if you are inclined and able,  stripping a kitchen down to bare room  isn't that hard  (kinda fun too to smash cabinets with sledgehammer)  but make sure you are able to haul the materials to the dump,  which may mean renting/borrowing a trailer or pickup if you don't have such equipment.   

I'm in the process of getting my real estate licence .

Getting your RE agent licence is most certainly putting you right at the heart of RE. 

I am a security officer, musician and real estate investor here in Calgary, Alberta Canada and just waiting for my security licence so I can get back to work in 3 more weeks but before that I hope I get my first deal ASAP.Blessings, Rain Pecson  Real Estate Investor

Additionally in some cases time and availability of qualified licenced contractors simply makes them not worth seeking.

Your local codes may require specific qualifications or licences for contractors to perform work however it is a joke to accept that a tenant has the right to demand anything of a landlord beyond that outlined in your state landlord tenant regulations.Tell your tenants that when they are paying for the work they can choose their own contractors.

Hey I am also 19, and I am in the same boat, I am going to get my real estate licence, and learn the market, and feel it would be a good tool to have, and I also in college for Engineering