The last year or so I have been researching financial independence and that lead me to real estate investing and BP.

I have some experience with managing rentals, but I want to start building my own portfolio for retirement and financial independence.

We are usually considered independent contractors, very rarely employees (unless he's being offered a salaried position).

Also, independently verify all the numbers.  

So make sure you're also enjoying the things that add value to your life, which are ultimately the reason for REI/financial independence.

and we pay her just like she is independent.. but because she does not have to market for the listings she is willing to do it for a reduced fee.. 

Don't get caught up in flipping or wholesaling...unless you want to work your *** off and never reach financial independence.

The last scenario regarding having access to the real estate owned by the solo 401k plan, can only generally work if you take the property out of the solo 401k plan (in-kind distribution) and pay taxes on the value of the property after you get an independent third-party appraisal. 

On the investment group I would look closely on the valuations given and independently do you own numbers.

Nick Kutschke so are they W2 employees or independent contractors?