Flow of money from the exchange to you is a major red flag if audited. 

Independently find the website and don’t just rely on emailed links or phone numbers.

I reached my "financial independence" number many years ago.However, I am still full pedal on the gas at my day job -- I'm a Senior Manager for Fortune 100 internet companies which I'm very proud of, particularly for a woman in this industry and enjoy.I'm in my mid 40s so it's early, but I made all this money to retire so want to start doing that.But I'm scared and really want to talk to some people who have actually retired off of their real estate wealth to get a sense of how it works out -- 10, 20, 30, 40 years out.I'd love to hear your situation and share my own situation in the hopes of getting a sense of how this could actually work in practicality years out.

I recommend independence title due to the resources they have and the vast training they offer and all for free. 

It's just a tough market out there, but I thought that quote wasn't bad from what I've seen.DO you use an independent agent?

Social Security has a quote " At the age of 65, 75% of Americans are dependent on friends, family and relatives to live, 23% are still working and 2% are financially independent."

@Ronald Rohde I do agree with you that an independent assessment is absolutely critical, not that I don't trust agents as I'm an agent as well along with being a programmer (my day job)  and an investor, but yes an agent won't be as unbiased. 

You need to report it, file it and treat it as investment property in order to demonstrate your intent to hold for investment purposes should be you be audited. 

I would do some shopping with independent agents who write for Multiple companies. 

For example, where a worker acts independently, maybe owns their own company, does work on an as-needed basis, they may be a contractor.