I'm looking for the best strategy for my situation to get me to financial independence as fast as possible.

Last summer I broke off and started consulting independently in the offshore geophysical survey industry and have been self employed coming up on a year now. 

This was my path to financial independence. 

After seeing the unanimous "no" on this feed, and doing more independent research I decided to take your advise and not do the deferment, and also to cancel my forbearance.

I would assume that your ultimate goal is to grow wealth, obtain financial independence, etc.

My goal of achieving Financial Independence (FI) laid the groundwork that eventually led me to cultivate an interest in Real Estate.

Having to be subject to FINRA audits is a tall order for most aspiring portal owners. 

Amber Aucoin is great from Fairway independent mortgage Corporation

@Nathan G. there are even national associations for independent LLs.  

Provided you select a local team of independent, best-in-class service providers all focused on serving you with no conflicts of interest or under-the-table collusion, I see no reason to spend your hard-earned profits visiting the properties.