I plan to be there every day. 

Each year there is new clueless to ruin it for the rest of us on an ongoing basis.

2) Can I market myself as independent on a 1099 basis?

I work at a CPA firm servicing SEC clients all day every day and this is a huge area we look at, protecting the consumer/investors from fraud/shady dealings by Management as there are so many ways that they can hide stuff from you. 

The legislature must provide, by law, for: (1) interest on the delinquent taxes and other impositions not to exceed 1% per month on a non-compounding basis; (2) a penalty not to exceed 5% of the delinquent taxes and other impositions; (3) a period of time during which the lien cannot be enforced; (4) a procedure for claiming the excess proceeds from the sale of the property as a result of the enforcement of the lien; and (5) the authority of the tax collector to waive penalties for good cause.

To deny their application in that situation on the basis that the non-income-providing person does not make enough income or having good enough credit could lead to a FHA complaint.There are provisions that could be put in the lease agreement that the lease terminates if one of the tenants vacates during the tenancy, but you should consult your attorney about putting that into your lease.

Your gain is sales price less costs to sell less your adjusted basis. 

And you have to refile on a regular basis.

I've done 6 flips, and own 37 rentals since starting in real estate in 2018 (just to give you touch on my background).Today, on a daily basis I get 10-20 texts and emails offering me purchase opportunities that are mostly homes to BRRRR.  

No one has more "skin in the game" than a PMC as they have to deal with the property every day until an owner sells or fires them.Also recommend finding your own Inspector and not one referred by an agent.