Wholesaling without a license

[Chase Hancock]

I know there are a ton of posts out there on the subject of whether or not having a real estate license is necessary but every answer I have seen is so vague. I am from CA and I'm currently learning about lease options and want to begin my business around traditional wholesaling and lease options. Should I absolutely get my real estate license to protect myself or are there ways in which I can still do business without a license. I really am not interested in what the law is in other states, only CA. Also I have very little capital, I'm talking less than $300 spending money at the end of the month.