Other than that usage, there is little benefit to a typical investor having a RE license....

Now, I typically only use them to skim stats on reviews and the more basic items. 

Maynhia Stott - be careful on OTC liens, typically those are the leftovers and many instances there is a reason they are leftovers

The activity is essentially no longer subject to the passive activity rules, so even if your modified AGI exceeds $150,000, you can take the suspended losses in year of sale.

I generally rule out most single family homes as viable rentals, as prices are pretty high relative to rents, so aside from some downtown neighborhoods, typically you do not find large areas of single family rental neighborhoods (a median sale price on a 3 bed, 2 bath home so far this year in Dane County on MLS sales data is at $430k). 

Yep for one especially in the early stages a hard credit pull would not be useful, just have them do soft checks for the time being and opt out of credit solicitation: www.optoutprescreen.com I could be biased... that said typically working with one lender than can help regardless of where you're looking and having a relationship with that will provide the easiest and most cost effective route long term. 

This typically results in improved cash flow with time.  

The ideal home price for you will depend on: 1) downpayment size 2) risk appetite, 3) preference for more cash flow or appreciation.Given our price points, our investors need to have 35-45K to start, on average.The typical cash-on-cash return on our properties net of loan payments, insurance, taxes, and property management fees is 6-8%.Ultimately, you can obtain financing from any lender, although we have partner lenders that can provide very competitive rates.

What is the typical loan term?

Typically it's 70-80% range.