I have always yearned for a life where I would one day become financially independent and not have to rely on an employer for my primary source of income. 

This is instructive and ought to be considered in weighing comments.Given all the different forums, I suggest you spend some time searching them get a better sense of what you need to learn, then study independently of social media to get the answer to your GO/NO-GO decision.Also, go to to the new member intro section (after completing your profile) and introduce yourself and perhaps your queries and goals.

The areas where you could be roughly cash flow even with appreciation potential...like Petworth, Trinidad...are possibly areas you may not feel comfortable living in depending on the type of area you are accustomed to living in. 

And what % is independent of energy sector?

I had heard through a particular email, that Independence and various other area were instituting regular 2 year property inspections by licensed inspectors?

A landlord friend suggested I call his agent, an independent, obviously.

Used correctly, your home can be the very vehicle to financial independence, much sooner, as others have mentioned.

So technically the Federal Reserve is independent from the government...  

I am also a Brisbane investor myself and a very small-time developer (small subdivisions and renovations for profit).I would love to provide you with information and advice that would be of value to you at any time I can help you with independent but expert market appraisals & rental appraisals of any property you have your eye on, as well as suburb statistics like capital growth history, rental growth history, vacancy rates median sale prices and median rents, for helping you choose which suburbs to look in. 

I guess if they just want to basically hand over the deal to you and get a "finders fee" then yes you should 1099 them as an independent contractor for their fee, however I believe you don't have to if the fee is under $600.