Questions for a couple of new-comers

[Michael Andre]

Hey everybody! My name is Mike and my wife and I are just in the beginning stages of investing and wanted to ask some questions and make some connections. I am an active duty Marine so my family and I are always moving and we really want to get into investing. Our questions are probably going to seem pretty stupid basic but I figured the best people to ask are the ones in the game now. So here are the questions:

1. Before buying our first rental property, do we need a business license(s)? 

2. What is the first step? Is it finding a property? Is it obtaining licenses? 

3. Is a duplex or threeplex the best place to start or if something bigger comes up, should we take advantage of that?

4. Any newcomer suggestions?

Thanks for the help!