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.

They had 3 young adults living with them ("day & nightcare" ) not ready to be independent.

You need to see out other Agents (preferably Independent Agents) for quotes.

What you can invest in depends on what the plan documents allow - the plan documents of one plan provider don't allow for investing in real estate (i.e. the brokerage) vs the plan documents of the other Solo 401k plan provider do allow for such investments. 

Financial independence in 5-10-20 years?

Real estate is a perfect vehicle to put together blocks for financial independence.

Can I just be an independent contractor as a 'care taker'?

I would always get a quote from an independent mortgage broker

My dream is to leverage this gift into financial independence through multiple income properties over the next 10-18 years before I retire.