There is a website called upwork where you can find and independent contractor to do it for you . pretty awesome 

I use Independence Title for all deals that I fund in Austin/Houston. 

2) Can I market myself as independent on a 1099 basis?

If you have the right systems and people in place to facilitate due diligence on a property independent of the seller/owner or broker representing the seller,  then no, you should not care if an agency that owns & purchases rentals is also selling properties. 

There at lots of great suburban markets where the ordinance doesn’t apply such as  Independence, Raytown, Blue Springs, and Overland Park. 

There was talk of eventually allowing investors to independently sell their shares, but I haven't heard anything about that lately.

The borello law & the ABC test are killing gig workers and the EDD is auditioning them at a voraciously pace.

That is how we handle it.3)  If a fee is being charged, most stated require the agent to have you sign off on agreeing the the fee above and beyond the typically commission that is built into the commercial policy.Personally, I would suggest going with the independent agent.  

Use an Independent Insurance Agency - every home and area and owner is different - no one company can service all situations.

You can learn to do this independently or get a rockstar REALTOR to lead the way.