Working for an owner in CA - Is a license required?

[Jessica Sorensen]

I hope this is the right place to ask this question... I'm just getting started in real estate, and I have yet to buy my first property. I'm still a renter, working hard at saving up cash to be ready for that first deal and reading as much as I can (mostly on this site!) to educate myself. 

In the interest of "getting started" I've been talking with my own landlord about his investment business. Long story short, I have a background in home renovations and project management, and he's in over his head with too many properties and no organized systems. He's offered to hire me part time to help organize his office, set up systems, and manage various projects like repairs, upgrades, etc. Great deal for me because it helps boost my savings while teaching me about the business at the same time!

My main concern: Here in California, I know a real estate license is required to act as a property manager. However, the license requirement is waived for the owner of a property (in the case of owner-self-management), and a renter managing the property they live in (as a resident manager). If I'm assisting in the management of properties other than my own, where is the line drawn between "property manager" and "office manager"? I'm really just helping an owner manage his own properties, but then again that's basically what a property manager does. I don't want to set myself up for any legal issues later on, either with him or with any of the tenants. 

Is this a good idea??? Is there anything I can do ahead of time to protect myself? If someone has had a similar experience (from either side) any advice would be appreciated!