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.

As I step into this new independence I am hearing more of this being the proper step.

Long term goal is continued acquisition of cash flowing multifamily units to achieve financial independence for my family.

You delay your journey to financial independence by 2 years, $70,000, and a few gray hairs just to make yourself better for working for someone else.

I would think a path towards growth would normally start like thisBuyer agent independently or with team.

I'd rather collaborate with Mortgage Broker Sally than steal business from her, and it's not really like either of us are going to have an advantage over the other aside from what knowledge we might personally possess (which Sally and I will generally happily share with each other, while collaborating on how we can poach more business from the big banks).If you want to call 5 banks or direct lenders directly (loanDepot and Guaranteed Rate are examples of mortgage banks, not brokers, FYI) and a mortgage broker, that's a different story, because any independent mortgage broker knows who will win that one.Good luck. :)

Some though are philosophical and strategic and they depend on your situation - and that you've got to figure out independent of the deal in front of you. 

He is a licensed GC and insured.I will have to see what other costs are being left off the table and I will find an independent builder to speak to.

You should avoid any that: Don't allow financing or a finance contingency (it can be a good indication they are selling above market value)Don't allow for your own independent property inspectionAre not realistic with their pro forma's (i.e. they don't include vacancy or maintenance projections or use unrealistically low vacancy factors)Require you to pay for any renovation upfrontSell only in cheap. low end neighborhoodsDon't accurately represent the neighborhood/property classificationDon't have consistent rehab standards for all propertiesDon't provide a scope of work for the propertyCan't provide references of repeat investorsRequire you to close before a tenant is in place

I am also interested in Multifamily units and BRRR - hopefully we can connect and help one another along our journey to financial independence.