They also have limited market access in many areas because Goosehead has issues with the quality of business they write due to limited "hiring" standards. 

There are plenty of people with little to no experience that live in other cities and states trying to do this.You may as well self manage as opposed to hiring someone that doesn't live in your area.

Question regarding the IRS requirements for hired contractors.

. :-) Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

(more on this below).And Some lending institutions are even trying to claw back hiring bonuses previously given to employees!

I guess you could keep refiling the deed to show change in fractional ownership...Obviously, this requires some serious looking over and structuring from a qualified professional or two, doubly so since it coming out of probate. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

Also talked to various finance professionals to get creative on getting across the finish line.Initially it was me and one other GP, but we brought on a third GP to help us raise recently - pending him actually helping raise the funds.We're looking to raise 900k, 700k to close. 400k raised so far (including GP equity), 300k more needed, with 2 weeks left to close.

or without qualifying for REPS (real estate professional status)?  

When I was starting out in real estate, I faced a similar challenge and found that connecting with local investors and professionals was invaluable.