Perhaps I can licence for free to a community group or a school... 

I am a licenced and bonded contractor and since I limit the number of projects I do outside of my own properties I charge a very reasonable rate.

@Paul StoutI'm thinking about going to get my commercial brokerage licence because it only requires an additional month of schooling.

It doesn't matter if they are licenced or not, it is only to report money paid to someone else for services in the course of business.

I've only done research online in regards LLC licence pros and cons insurance , management rules in California ect. and for some reason everyone (not investors) keep telling us we are thinking too big and we should start with a home.

So, for the contractor example, you need to not only verify the history, reputation, licence, insurance, etc but once the project is underway you need a third-party inspector to verify the work is completed prior to a draw request being paid.

Good luckPat Licenced VA Broker

If you are not experienced at working through the process of certification and licencing you should never assume anything.

I look at all the parties involved , I pull out my State issued home improvement licence .  

Some considerations I have for a jump start of educating my self, which I have discussed with my wife is going to get my real estate licence.