I understand not wanting to get a CPA at 1 property or even 3 but at 6 do yourself a favor and spend the few hundred dollars for a good CPA that can probably save you thousands in taxes or even sleepless nights due to an audit. 

An independent contractor is not an employee".https://www.trec.texas.gov/agency-information/rules-and-laws/trec-rules#topDo you see this as a good option to stay on the right side of the law while having them undertake property management activities, or do you see big pitfalls here? 

I am looking for a small independent/boutique brokerage with whom I can hang my license.

It wasn't clear about whether or not you need to add properties to achieve your independence goal?

Hard money lenders need to follow certain regulations and if they get audited and are not following the regulations then they get fines.  

We obtained an independent certified appraisal.

First, the rent amounts should have been caught during your lease audit.

Short term goal is complete financial independence.

We have the documents that contractors and subcontractors will be signing including (#1- Independent Contractor Agreement#2 - Final Scope of Work#3 - Payment Schedule#4 - Insurance Indemnification Agreement#5 - W-9#6 - Final & Unconditional Lien Waiver)My question is, how would you guys handle the funds? 

You should also sit down with a lawyer, independent insurance agent and a CPA on the best way to structure things.