We'd go days and sometimes weeks with intermittent internet access to be able to contact folks back stateside. 

With internet marketing its fairly easy to locate market properties without an agent or Broker.

I listen to Bigger pockets and old capital podcasts Audible is the best part of the entire internet IMO I burn through a few books a month, my life has radically changed since signing up.

If you've got multiple properties, do this full time, manage your own and generally run it like a business (ie, you take deductions for meals, mileage, phone, internet, etc.... beyond just "investment" expenses), then I'd argue that you're running it as a business and should 1099.But really, when in doubt, 1099. 

I've spent hours browsing the internet and I'm getting a lot of contradictory information. 

Concentrate on getting them out, evict when necessary and do not concern yourself with a rent increase.

The first step with any brilliant idea, before protecting it, is to share it on the internet.

I asked him if he could help pay for utilities, internet and Netflix. since his occupancy was sure to rise the utility bills.

@Fred CanzanoIt really is time for you to get off the internet and onto the phone with a plan professional and your tax advisor. 

You need to concentrate your efforts on saving.