My goal is to have the houses paid for before the W2 runs out so I will have true financial independence (living without working).  

Generally, you are self-employed if any of the following apply to you.You carry on a trade or business as a sole proprietor or an independent contractor.You are a member of a partnership that carries on a trade or business.You are otherwise in business for yourself (including a part-time business)

My ultimate goal is to move my family to San Diego and focus my career on real estate investment and development.Aside from real estate, I'm an avid Blues fan and musician, and dream of achieving financial independence through real estate so I can play the Blues to my heart's content! 

Generally independent agents will be your best bet because they can shop 20+ markets compared to captive agencies only providing one quote.

Long Term Goal:Financial Independence. 

Sometimes its difficult to see the forest through the trees.I am so excited, this is really a dream I've had since I graduated college two years ago, I have saved all I could (even with student loans) to pursue my goal of financial independence.

Is there any independent education out there that doesn't sell notes to the crowd, one way or another? 

I feel that there isn't any more important statistic the the spread between purchase price and "as is" value.I look for as many exit strategies as possible.

You need independent sources of information to corroborate the claims he is making.

My end goal was to have a substantial income being generated for me monthly so that I can get financially independent fast, and to make that as fast as possible, I would pay off my rental homes asap.