My business will be in the flipping of houses so I expect to have a sales person, dispositions person, an assistant and more as I grow. (1) Can I just have everyone be a consultant and 1099 them at the end of the year?

Always consult with your attorney before you rely on the above information.

I would consult an attorney to be 100% certain. 

In any event doing it wrong can lead to expensive consequences, so definitely consult a professional.My advice would be to hire the engineer and if you can handle implementing their recommendations, then do it, but it's best to let a professional prescribe the solution.

I will consult a lawyer, but before committing time- maybe you guys have some advice.

In my experience, you are suppose to consult with the owner BEFORE any additional work is completed that is not on the initial scope of work.

A good consultant can inspect it and tell you what is there.

Thanks again for the advice - I know I should consult a lending attorney but this is a great start for me.

Just an idea I got reading various blog posts and the forums, but any RE venture that I plan for will definitely need to be "passed off" by my BP consultants (all of you) before I jump in!

I suggest consulting law firm that specializes in business.