Can an unlicensed Loan Officer be an independent contractor and receive a 1099 paycheck?

Fill out an IRS form SS-8 and find out.

States tend to be very tough about having unlicensed people earning fees, referrals or such if they act in a real estate broker or mortgage loan officer/broker capacity.

Some states have very lenient LO requirements thought. Here in FL, the requirement for a correspondent lender is 25K networth, classtime and passing a state exam.

LO's work for Lenders & correspondent lenders. They are not required to do any classtime or take a test to work as an LO. Every so often, believe every 2 yrs, they are required to take some Cont. Ed.

As far as getting paid without any association... I'd bet against.

Run a search for Cali lending law requirements. There should be a section about LO's.