So when they say they charge 10%, it is really 15%-18% of the gross rents. 3.

It's a game changer once you have a few employees and operate that many so everyone stays on the same page.

Albeit your self employeed which I get it there is a certain amount of freedom to that..

California charges a minimum tax of $800 a year per LLC, and more if you have gross receipts in excess of $250k.

I have no debt, a good stable job making about $60k+ gross, and $20k saved up with about $10k in my 401k that I'm thinking about using some if not all of it towards the closing costs of the home I want to buy.

For example, some small business owners/contractors write off a lot of their gross on income taxes, so they can't get traditional mortgage.

If I go by the 1% percent rule a home that cost 200k would have to gross 2k in rent, Homes I've seen typically rent for 1450 - 1550 max. 

I'm thinking a 3% increase is a fair number, knowing this is what companies are giving their employees yearly.

and this agent was he an employee of Norada or some other company.. 

I just recently took one apart trying to get into every possible nook and cranny to clean it and it was GROSS.