Trying to weigh the options as to which one would enable us to get on a faster trajectory towards accumulating cash flowing properties and eventually financial independence within the next decade or so. 

As a licensee, depending on laws in your state, you "hang your license" under an employing or managing broker for at least 2 years, after which you may make application to become an employing (responsible) broker, or an independent, non-employing  broker (some states allow independent status, while others do not). 

Yes there may be some independents who do it cheaper.

I use both these concepts for the same reason; financial independence and build wealth.

@Amedeo Conta,Independent mortgage brokers very rarely do stand-alone HELOCs (80/10/10 = example of not stand-alone), so yup it's local/regional depository institution (bank or CU), or big national box brand of same.

This is the ultimate conundrum for us, and we’re often led to believe that investing in multi family units remotely in cheaper but growing areas of the Midwest while continuing to rent in Brooklyn makes more sense for our goal of achieving financial independence within the next decade.Any thoughts, tips on areas I may be missing or opinions on the numbers in areas I mentioned would be greatly appreciated!

.), your money (as a solo independent agent) comes from closing on deals.

-use an independent agent or broker to ensure you have the right coverage for your circumstances.Good luck.

An independent mortgage broker local to you in (what you have listed as) "New your city" can collect once and run it with dozens of banks and mortgage companies without them getting your info until it's a live in escrow deal.

Also confirm that the loan has a release clause so you can sell the properties independently.