Agents are independent contractors, so they do have the right to decide how they will work.

Tiger, Nevada also passed some laws regulating appraiser independence not too long ago.

Finally, is it true that with a custodial (Non-LLC) SDIRA, that with rental property you MUST use an independent management company to manage the property?

Your friend independently owns an llc and invests in a fix and flip.

I would like to be a REI and be financially independent in the next few years.

During my IRS audit the mileage was a big issue.I had complete documentation etc but she was preoccupied with allowing specific mileage as documented per property.

Today I was told that it was randomly selected for a USDA audit and can't close until next Tuesday at the earliest.

Christopher Puletasi,Many of them are using international tax shelters; They push their profitable divisions overseas and are subject to taxation in those countries.These companies are constantly under audit.

I came to the conclusion that RE is most fun on a small scale while building additional security in other avenues as well.The question then becomes what will it take to become independent.

I'd also suggest you come to an agreement on who is actually preparing the financials, and how the other party can review/audit those numbers.