As I study more about rei and what a good market is (where there is employment etc) I keep coming back to my military roots.

I also get employers phone numbers, see how long they have been working there, it just shows stability.

Pennsylvania requires employment with a brokerage firm prior to be granting a license; however, I have no interest in representing a brokerage firm. 

I'm employed by a railroad company and currently in school to be a combo welder.

From a more non-RE Specific place, can a self-employed individual working from home office write off housing expenses?

This is specifically designed for entrepreneurs who are self employed.  

Because of the close proximity to Chestnut Hill, Germantown, and Montgomery county (surrounding suburb with a great of employment opportunities) this area  is very desired so when good deals pop up here they don't hang around for long. 

i use 1099-MISC as a token preventative measure where an independent contractor (ie, plumber, painter, etc) earns $600/yr or more in projects in case they or any of their subs/helpers should ever use the rental property address and/or my name as a place/employer they were 'employed' at for an albeit desperate unemployment claim.

:) Or perhaps, you can start a regional team that employs your best practices and you'd get a cut off of every transaction.

It's not just for those who are working for "the man", you're the man if you're self employed too!