I do have a licensed hvac guy that does my work, but since he's an independent he doesn't have a cost effective access to new systems.

Now, if you can find an independent registered lender with the NMLO compliance they might elect to go into a new and different area that requires forecasting with an obligation rather than determining the current qualification of a borrower and go there. 

My ultimate goal is to build an incredible amount of equity and achieve financial independence through passive rental income, but that will take some time.

My wife and I are looking to rent out our 500sq/ft basement, it has all the amenities of an apartment but does not have independent access.

My wife and I are looking to rent out our 500sq/ft basement, it has all the amenities of an apartment but does not have independent access.

Independently run or it doesn't exist.

Ultimately, I'm looking for increased cash flow and, eventually, financial independence.

But there are opportunities in Brooklyn (but perhaps not in neighborhoods you want to live in, depends on your commute preferences, etc) to do what you've described and have nearly all of your mortgage paid for.

Isnt that what financial independence is really about?

I own 2 rental properties in the suburbs of Seattle (Redmond and Kirkland) and I am looking to take the next step and find more rental properties that can make me financially independent.