In your opinion, where are good places to meet and network with small, independent builders in the DFW area?

Overall, my long-term personal goal and the reason I'm here is to have financial independence & "retire early".

Take a look at BP's blog where new articles are published every day: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog4.Check out the BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast5.If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking6.

Checking out Montgomery AL, Kansas City MO and Independence, MO.Any tips of credit unions or banks would be helpful.

I wish they published the tenants name so when future landlords google him they get a fair warning. 

This value is independent of the price that you paid for the property (assessed value is usually lower). 

Independent appraiser to be selected by [your bank/financing source] in its independent judgment, and both parties agree to be bound by the value stated in the appraisal." 

Take a look at BP's blog where new articles are published every day: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog4.Check out the BP Podcasts: https://www.biggerpockets.com/podcast5.If you want to network or ask specific questions about your local market, go to your local real estate forum and connect with investors from your area: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/86-local-real-estate-networking6.

For me, the short version is that I want financial independence with the ability to work only as many hours as I want and from anywhere I want, and I want the financial ability to help others with my time or finances.

I've done some reading and research, but I've worked so independently in the past that I'm having a hard time grasping the concept of using someone else's money for the down payment, getting a loan from a bank and having the house be in my (llc) name.