If you're going to be making improvements to the property after you purchase it to increase the property value, I've used Bank Iowa out of Independence several times for loans like that.

I am currently working in Retail Management for an incredible company (consistently a Forbes top ten company to work for) but have been on the path to financial independence for a couple years now. 

You should request and obtain an executed IRS Form W-9 from the independent contractor.You may have an obligation to issue the IC a 1099-MISC depending on the information on the W-9, how much you paid the IC, and the method of payment.

Both franchise brokerages and independent brokerages have pros and cons so it really comes down to what you need/expect from the affiliation.

Most sellers don't want to wait, or cannot wait, the whole 30 years to get all their funds.Only other tip, analyze the properties independent of the seller financing to make sure it's a deal. 

We are still both working but at least we know that we are setting ourselves up for financial independence and eventually having the freedom to enjoy our time with people and experiences that are most important to us.

I have never been more motivated to become financially independent through RE thanks to BP!

We are talking about Financial Independence, Starting Businesses, etc.

Should I find an independent testing agency to give me a report on treatment?

While I believe most in our chosen trade(s) are already familiar with the word or term “Appraisal”, it can’t hurt to provide some clarity: According to the most recent edition of Merriam-Webster’s On-Line Dictionary:Appraise - to set a value on; to estimate the amount of; to evaluate the worth, significance, or status of; to give an expert judgment of the value or merit of.Appraisal - an act or instance of appraising something or someone; a valuation of property by the estimate of an authorized person.Appraising - making or expressing a critical judgment or evaluation.Within the realm of real estate valuation, the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice: 2020-21 (USPAP) offers the following applicable definitions:Appraisal (Noun) – the act or process of developing an opinion of value.Appraiser – one who is expected to perform valuation services competently and in a manner that is independent, impartial, and objective.Appraisal Assignment – a valuation service that is provided by an appraiser as a consequence of an agreement with a client.Report – any communication, written or oral, of an appraisal or appraisal review that is transmitted to the client or a party authorized by the client upon completion of an assignment.