However, I’m an independent contractor and have to show AT LEAST 1 year of paystubs in order to qualify for a loan.. which is about 7 months from now (I just started working after graduating from college).

(not just financial independence)If you are looking to change careers here what you should look for:A job you will like (do the soul-searching time to get this one right, it is worth the time)A job that pays well (see MHI above)A job that is in demandTake at least two career quizzes that are big and reputable and find the jobs your personality type will enjoy (#1) that AVERAGE close to the MHI (#2), and then look at job sites and make sure that are NUMEROUS people looking for people in that career. (#3) You need to satisfy ALL THREE!!!

@Matt Dinofia I've always used Francesca Smith out of Petuluma, with Mckenzie-Smith Insurance, they are independent so if CIG won't write the policy because of some stupid fire map they can also get you something else.

Renting out a basement would not be very difficult especially since there are very minor things needed to give a tenant independence and seclusion. 

In general an independent agent would be able to find you coverage through a few different carriers for the liability risk that you would have.  

There are also signs of settling and even bowing in the foundations (see pictures).We would like to have an independent licensed foundation/ waterproofing expert inspect both properties and gives us some feedback on the damage and how to remediate. 

There are also signs of settling and even bowing in the foundations (see pictures).We would like to have an independent licensed foundation/ waterproofing expert inspect both properties and gives us some feedback on the damage and how to remediate.

Talk to a CPA for advice.I would anticipate an audit when it's all over.

We have 6 LMT who are independent contractors and 3 front employees.

We have 6 LMT who are independent contractors and 3 front employees.