I would recommend asking for the estimate documents and ideally independently verify the quotes for the construction  Exit Strategy: What is the strategy for this deal?

That said, I'm not looking for real estate to replace my job or become fully financially independent with it.

Gotta love great timing and intuition.Let me just say this first off, financial independence through real estate is within your grasp.

I'd try an independent mortgage broker.

One of our main issues is I have been a 1099 employee/ independant contractor.

Check out this newbie guide https://www.biggerpockets.com/financial-independence-blueprint/new

Every one of these types of lenders are independent businesses and do what they want.Don't pay to be pre-qualified without knowing you qualify first by talking to them.

I was just trying to get him to sign an independent contractor agreement and a scope of work sheet.

    The 1099 form is for a person that is a independent worker.

I am just beginning my REI journey and as a believer in setting goals / affirmations, I wanted to share them as my first post:"I desire to invest in real estate to increase my monthly cash flow so that I can achieve financial independence, seize control of my life, and build wealth to pass along to my future family" With this in mind, I plan to purchase a 4-unit property and house hack (live in one unit and rent out the others) by the end of 2019 / early 2020.