I would reach out to a broker in your area.

The short answer to whether licensed real estate brokers/agents should obtain their NMLS mortgage broker license is: Yes. 

Becoming an employer adds a whole different layer of rules/taxes etc in addition to that it might not be permitted by the Broker

I am a mortgage broker in PA.

1) LTV - seller doesn't want to you claim at last minute that you didn't get approved for a 10% NOO loan, so can't close and you want your EMD refunded.2) PMC Holds EMD - PMC needs to be a licensed RE broker to do this.

Additionally, if we open a LLC to manage our own properties, do I need to hold a broker's license in KY to do this legally? 

While I have a Broker license, I've don't do any buy/sell transactions.

This would definitely require some negotiation with the lenders involved, so working with an experienced mortgage broker might help here.

@Jose QuinonesIf it was me, and I never wrote a commercial lease, I would engage a commercial broker and let them write up a lease for the unit.

I'll be looking for:tax returnsbank statementsany invoicesutilitiesWhat should broker provide?