Living independently will do wonders for your career and social life as you mature more quickly. 

My interest in real estate is to diversify our income a bit and hopefully allow us some independence sooner than we would otherwise.Regards,Mike

Working in a sellers market has been tough but i have adapted and learned, as a result my business has grown substantially because of it.My goal is to not only help myself become financially independent but to also help my Dad retire in the process.

I do have experience working for Construction companies, Service Industry companies, and Independent Contractors in fileds such as Plumbing and A/C, Electrical, Multifamily Service/ Construction as well as Sales, Customer Service, Renovation/ Remodeling, Data Entry, Financial Services and Start-up Companies. 

Or have they had experience with other property owners that might provide an independent reference?

If you want to expand however, lack of independent cash flow will seriously paint you into a corner because you are counting on your W2 income to create a tax burden to offset. 

What will stop the cash buyer independently looking up the property and seeing he actual price?

Being able to trust a valuation or a rehab estimate from dozens of different independent entities who may have varying degrees of experience and who may or may not be licensed was difficult.  

That would never happen in Seattle.In Kansas City, I specifically like Sugar Creek and Independence.

Independence Title (formerly Arcland until last October) in Colleyville.