Primera cosa, chiquita… it should not cost you anything to get started because if you are going to work for a company, you are an employee, not an independent contractor. This is a common problem in the mortgage/lending industry. They try to say you’re an independent contractor when you are not. You are an employee unless: 1) you own your own business and have your own Federal tax I.D. number 2) you have a significant investment in tools and equipment 3) you work for several companies, not just one 4) you negotiate your rate and are not paid solely by the hour or by commission 5) often you will have employees of your own. As an employee, you are entitled to at least the minimum wage for all hours worked and time and a half for hours worked over 40 per week. If you don’t get this, you should call the Labor Dept. to complain.