We also have a sister company that is a mid-sized IMO and specializes in annuity. Feel free to DM me if you have any questions, want to connect about our group, or want some recommendations in general. Know the industry pretty well!
A question that I think you need to get an answer to is, do you want access to exclusive products from:
1) Annexus
2) LegacyNet
3) MarketSynergy
4) Corebridge QoL
If you do not, there are a lot of good IMOs. If you do, there are a lot of good IMOs with access to most or all of those platforms.
My experience is that your annuity wholesaler or your life wholesaler can make or break your results.
P.S. To the "non-captive" term, there was a time when Allianz owned a bunch of IMOs. Those days are largely gone. Even LifePro is now Simplicity. On the other hand, if you think an Integrity or a Simplicity IMO are "captive" IMOs, I will respectfully disagree that they are captive. They are just owned by a holding company.
I was going to respond similarly to @The Ringo Kid. There are definitely IMOs that I would consider "captive," such as those owned by insurance companies. I can give you the names of some of the top FMOs in the country, should you have a need. Just call me at (515) ANN-UITY. sjm