@David Levin you have to ask yourself what do you want more - Financial Independence, or "The American Dream" of owning a home?

I don’t want this to seem too be cold hearted, but I just finished listening to an NPR economic podcast and they mentioned an interesting statistic. 

My girlfriend and I recently started doing a lot of researching in to the idea and lifestyle and we have a goal of being financially independent within 5 years and "retired" within 10-15.

Trying to do it outside the supervision of your brokerage would be illegal.You must disclose you are a licensee and what brokerage you are with in all real estate related activities.The disposition of the commission offered will be handled pursuant to your independent contractor agreement with your broker.

I know big firms use there nicely written sales pitch but for independent investors what approach has worked?

I plan to be RN "work" optional by 30 years old through financial independence

He's a realtor and a coach for people looking to house hack and achieve financial independence via real estate... and he's located in Austin!

My current goal is to be financially independent by the age of 40.I currently have a $70K stock portfolio that usually does very well, market downturns notwithstanding, plus ~$30K in unvested employee stock options and a continuous employee stock purchase plan.

What people are referring to when they say you need one, can be employees, independent contractors, licensed professional etc. 

If I give up the first time something doesn't work my chances of financial independence are pretty slim.