I have called a few local cleaning services but their a bit pricey and they mentioned finding someone independent may be a better fit.

They are independently owned and operated under an agreement with the Franchisor.  

Currently, I have a 4-plex in Texas which I purchased in 2020 (FHA loan that is now entirely a rental property) and manage independently. 

There is a website called upwork where you can find and independent contractor to do it for you . pretty awesome 

I use Independence Title for all deals that I fund in Austin/Houston. 

If you have the right systems and people in place to facilitate due diligence on a property independent of the seller/owner or broker representing the seller,  then no, you should not care if an agency that owns & purchases rentals is also selling properties. 

2) Can I market myself as independent on a 1099 basis?

There at lots of great suburban markets where the ordinance doesn’t apply such as  Independence, Raytown, Blue Springs, and Overland Park. 

There was talk of eventually allowing investors to independently sell their shares, but I haven't heard anything about that lately.

That is how we handle it.3)  If a fee is being charged, most stated require the agent to have you sign off on agreeing the the fee above and beyond the typically commission that is built into the commercial policy.Personally, I would suggest going with the independent agent.