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? 

I've seen a lot of people waste their time and mine chasing a fictitious pot of gold at the end of a rainbow).

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

I am also currently getting my Real Estate Licence.

This is a fictitious company and it's how I decided to see my life, as a business, after all, that's essentially what we all do is run a business for ourselves - it's just that no one views it like that.

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.