If you can affiliate with the right indy, that is a great path to take.  It beats trying to break free from a nasty non-compete agreement.

What would be the best way to approach indy's about an opportunity? email, phone, ask for appointment?

A friend of mine his OSJ started out indy(12 years ago) at a local b/d that eventually got swallowed by LPL.. He started selling whole life insurance and realized that securities would be better for him, I think he manages like $80MM..

The only difference would be the lack of income(salary), but the payout would be way higher than anywhere else you start. So if you got off to a good start then like Indy said it would be a great path..

ND: I would call or stop by...LPL advisors would probably be your best bet, because there are so many of them. I would also look for a older person who isn't building his book.. or the opposite a younger guy building his book so you are both focused on the same thing...What you don't want is some piker doing nothing, who is just looking to take your clients if you can't hang on..

ND I had met and developed a relationship with this guy I'm speaking of through a networking group.  I called and asked if I could stop by and just learn more about his business.  I didn't go in looking for an opportunity and one hasn't been offered to me but was just really looking to learn about being Independant and his experiences as an advisor, etc.  Through our conversation he mentioned about possibly adding someone down the road and also spoke of his challenges with process/procedure for office/admin duties along with some needs and help with sales.  I let him know my interest in the industry but also told him that I was just interested in learning more and "some day" I will likely pursue the industry.  After I left I couldn't quit thinking about it and thought how perfect this arrangment could be for both of us due to my strengths, their weaknesses and needs.  I hope to get some more feedback here and will likely follow up by the end of this week to throw it out there that I'm interested in the opportunity if one may present itself. 

ND I think the key is just being willing to network, meet people, ask them for a cup of coffee and learn about their business.  Let them know you are interested and see if they have something that's available or know someone that they can refer you to. 

Thanks for the feedback and sorry about hijacking your thread. It was not my intentions.

I have enjoyed and learned plenty from the opportunities thus far. I just knew each would be that "place", you know the one you were looking for, everything goes great, lots of comradery, everyone working as a team towards the same goal. Every time it seems within six months the honeymoon is over and it turns a complete 180. I hate to have short tenures at previous practices but I just can't seem to find that "place" were I fit them as well as they fit me. I need to build my savings back up and just go at it alone I guess. All i want to do is work, learn, grow and be better then anyone else at all three.