I can tell you with confidence that Many of my clients have done both and it worked out.

Make sure to ask for client referrals and interview more than one company in Flint.

Quote from @Simon Walker: Quote from @Andrew Syrios: Could you "split the difference" so to speak and go back to work for yourself but limit the number of clients you take on so you only need to work 20 or so hours a week?

I have a client that bought a condo to rent after living there and the HOA ended up outlawing rentals.

If they work independently, set their schedule, and use their resources, they might qualify as a 1099 contractor, but misclassification risks IRS penalties.Wages for W-2 employees and payments to 1099 contractors are both deductible business expenses, but compliance is key.This post does not create a CPA-Client relationship.

We value the opportunity to work with clients and partners in the real estate community.To address @David Ramirez' suggestion, if any title issues are found, the earnest money is fully refundable.

MOST don't try to trick their clients! 

*This post does not create an attorney-client or CPA-client relationship. 

For what it's worth, I tried to run your numbers using the proforma I use with my CFO clients and I'm getting an IRR (average annual return) of nearly 23% (see page 2): Kalamazoo Properties

While I don't know the nuances of the market, I do have a client that's a real estate investor and agent in Phoenix that could probably give you some suggestions.