My suggestion would be a wrap as opposed to a subject 2.

Once you're deemed credit worthy by lenders you can start using leverage which needs to be used VERY carefully but is also extremely powerful.I personally do NOT recommend that someone with a trades or self employment 'life track' as you are describing is best suited to buy a first house with cash, and for instance use your time to fix it up.Few reasons here:Firstly, often the kinds of 'cash deals' available are ones that can to generalize tend to be more cash flow type properties (as opposed to equity properties). 

That’s what I have been thinking that single family homes out of state would be a more manageable first investment as opposed to a much larger up front investment near where I live.

Investors are split about 50/50 whether to have a LLC or not to my understanding again reflecting a personal as oppose to business/legal decision.

Most municipalities enroll their employees in a traditional, defined-benefits program as opposed to a defined-contribution plan like a 401(k).

Wouldn't using your own HELOC/savings result in a few thousand dollars saved, as opposed to the higher interest rate with a HML, and the points and fees?

@Heather Skowronsky I would love to move to DC, but I am not opposed to Northern Virginia.

After a month or two, check your credit for free at CreditKarma and when the lower payments show up on your credit report, get ready to apply for your mortgage.The 3rd step is to choose a bank or lender that is Fannie Mae backed because they recently changed the student loan rules to be able to use the lower payments shown on your credit reports as opposed to FHA's 1% rule or brokers that say they have to amortize your loan to calculate DTI.With the lowest possible debt combined with Fannie Mae, at least for now in mid-2018 until the rules change, you should have the best chance at a DTI that can get you into a property. 

You only need to put 3.5% down, so cashwise it won't get in the way of other real estate goals you may have.My first deal was a 4-unit up I bought with FHA 3.5% in Santa Clarita.I lived for free (as opposed to paying rent) + enjoyed cash flow + built equity.

My first questions are as follows: Should I pursue a real estate license now while I have a little more time as opposed to when I have a full time job?