I would probably steer clear of this deal and maybe look for a little better one.

I would think the value of an assigned contract for a land contract would be significantly lower than an outright sales contract.Perhaps they are looking long term cash flow so you could steer them to owner financing which is usually much more desirable than a land contract.

Steer clear of any individual, group, organization or otherwise that is promoting unlicensed activity such as what is mentioned above.

he's also steered me out of some bad deals and always offered sound advice.

Start thinking about what criteria you want to use to choose/disqualify a tenant, making sure you don't discriminate (blatantly or even steer with comments or directions to property).Good luck!

It is against the Code of Ethics for a Realtor not to present your offer to the seller, or steer the buyer from accepting the offer based on their personal feelings.  

Where do I seek out groups like this, what do I look for, and is there anything I should steer clear of? 

He indicated this is steering and could not go in the MLS...is this a state-specific concern?

When I purchased my home, my real estate agent could easily spot foundation issues and steered me clear of those properties.I'm probably more interested in rental properties at the moment.  

Just a little hurtle aka learning experience, don't let it steer you off your goal.good luck