Process for booking a load- Independent O/Os

Hello Truckers

Currently I am an O/O in a company in Toronto, ON and in the process to become Independent. My own authorities are under process right now , so before they come I wanna make sure that I know as much as an Independent O/O should know ( atleast little less than that ).
I will run only Canada for first few months so I am in talk to get Load Link subscription. As I thought to start off I would need Load board initially. I have few questions is mind regarding load board.

Load board ------Look for loads on your lane-----Find loads and make calls to shipper or broker-----Negotiate on price( Can I ask broker to lock the price and then shop around again, I know I have to be little smart in this )----- Finalised the price( what comes in this part, I know broker get his documents signed via fax. Can I send my terms and conditions and ask broker to sign it like waiting time, load cancelled, charge for extra P&D etc. also most important should I ask him for FSC, I will drive on small runs, mostly flat rates..)------- P&D--- Faxing the POD----- generally how long brokers take to pay you, How would I know the broker will pay( I know you can run credit checks and can report them), I am thinking of using factoring company initially ( How much they charge ).

I suppose such questions are common for new independent Operators. Suggestions will be much appreciated.