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.

If it is not currently deductible, he should advise how you can make it deductible going forward.There is no statistic that he knows of that shows the IRS is cracking down on any specific expense/deduction.

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

We obtained an independent certified appraisal.

Short term goal is complete financial independence.

Statistically speaking, almost 100% of home searches start online.

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.

@David ReinkeI think it's best to start with the Financial Independence Blueprint video course on this site.