Hi James,I am new to investing as well, mainly focusing in the Independence area. 

Most of their field employees seem to be independant contractors.

Two member, you should just buy independently unless either of the two are true:1) Prices are wildly different due to health or age.

Consider the fact that signing a lease with each of the 4 tenants separately and independently will be very time consuming, and will likely put you in a position where you will be expected to mediate disputes between tenants. 

You can evaluate whether this is a scam by independently researching the landlord and determining if the company exists and you're being asked to follow their usual application process.

I was already trying to chart a course towards financial independence, but this year moved me up a solid 5 years at least. 

On high level my “why” is to achieve financial independence.

I started as a brand new agent w/EXP in December and chose to be independent.

Having been a RE agent was what gave me the education and contacts to become independent. 

I would expect your Broker to break down responsibilities in your Independent Contractor agreement, but not everyone is that professional.If you're paying a 50/50 split, I would say the Broker should be paying that cost, along with the cost of signs and a few other things.