Before I had employees, craigslist labor gigs was my best friend.  

If I do decide to go this route, how can I avoid having the courts or the IRS view these contractors as my employees?

I think I would be looking for a new tax advisor.It sounds like you may have an informational partnership issue or at the very least an employee vs. independent contractor issue.

the protected class in SECTION 3.1 of NCGS 143-422.2 "It is the public policy of this State to protect and safeguard the right and opportunity of all persons to seek, obtain and hold employment without discrimination or abridgement on account of race, religion, color, national origin, age, biological sex or handicap by employers which regularly employ 15 or more employees."

If an employee is injured on the job, a company could go belly-up taking care of an injured employee.  

Tax-wise however the IRS only looks whether you stay 180 days in the country, if so they consider you to be the same, whether you are illegal, have a business visa or greencard...Part of E2 is not only the size of investment, but also your plan towards, and eventually hiring of employees.

There is a different criteria - in order to qualify for a Solo 401k plan one must be either self-employed or own a business without full-time common law employees except the owner and his/her spouse.We have many clients who are employed with full time jobs and 401k there, but in addition they have a small side business which makes them eligible for their own Solo 401k.Where having an employer 401k would make an effect is that your employee elective deferrals are subject to a single limit of $18,000 (plus the catch up for those who are over 50).

Here's the catch: I looked on HAR to get some comps and the property is currently listed as a short sale.

Here's the catch: I looked on HAR to get some comps and the property is currently listed as a short sale.

I called the guy’s current employer and he said he was a great employee and he would have no problem renting a house to him.