I've been doing this all alone thinking I was strange and unique this whole time, until lately I have discovered there are many others like me out there who are seeking financial independence and early retirement :D. 

However, I have a day job as an independent consultant and don't aspire for another job as a Real Estate Agent.Goal: Is to invest in Notes personally, create and broker Notes.Question: Given my Goal are there PRO's and CONS with having a Real Estate License?

That is my definition of Financial Independence. 

My partner (no W2 job; independently wealthy) is going to put up the down payment of 20% while I put up the mortgage (have W2 job; getting the best rate in my name).

I'm not sure if this belongs in this forum or not, but I'm searching for a reputable insurance agent who I can work with throughout my entire journey to financial independence, and probably beyond that. 

I am just out of college and very interested in having the financial independence of landlording some day.

If you're going to work with a turn key company, in general, the ones to avoid are the ones 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 properties

I have also been looking into Independence and Raytown.

Our acquisition managers are independent contractors and we pay them hourly plus a commission.

Our real estate goal is to do at least one deal next year (so far the BRRR strategy sounds promising) and to have one rental property each, with the goal of building a portfolio of multifamily properties in the next 5 years (yes, we want to be financially independent soon!)