After two layoffs in the past 4 years, we have decided it is time to leave the corporate world behind and work as independent contractors, and take greater control of our future.

All you can do is a politely worded letter.  

If they call to ask about a light bulb that burned out in the ceiling fan or the air filter in the HVAC, how well can you politely but firmly remind them that it's their responsibility.

While I'm sure there's risk exposure here that I still don't fully understand, I was comfortable proceeding on that time horizon and for that amount, and eager to learn what I can from it (and especially from talking through it with more experienced folks like you).Also, thank you for clarifying on the "default" terminology, this is somewhat new territory for someone coming from the corporate/venture world!

I just graduated Cal Berkeley with a degree in Political Econ. focusing on international business trade and labor.

Form some type of corporation or an LLC with whatever an Attorney and/or a CPA to help you decide will do the best for your goals.Something else you should do is to get a pre-qualification letter that says how long you might need to do a loan and the maximum amount of loan.  

Good morning as a new  Real estate investor my question to anyone who wants the answer is how do I go about starting an LLC or Corporation in order to run my investments through them as well as where would I go to secure some capital to get started ?

Most people on this topic suggest owning investment properties personally and then moving them into a corporation.

You do not need to send a 1099 to most corporations.

I have some questions about refinancing a property under a corporation.