The vast majority of "regular" or traditional (Conv/Govt) mortgages are originated by specialty lenders and brokers and are sold in the secondary market to provide yield on bank balance sheets (think Chase or BoA) or to be securitized into MBS.

They have an app, scan your mail, forward mail, and will even deposit checks (forward/mail to your bank).

Because interest rates are high right now it probably doesn’t make sense to pull extra cash just to stick it in a bank account.

These strategies can allow you to acquire properties without traditional bank financing, which can be beneficial given your current DTI and income situation.

The one you can scale.I know successful business owners in the fitness industry, tanning salons, real estate, window coverings, maintenance, billboard, ATMs, etc.Generally, I would be skeptical of jumping into a business based on YouTube videos hosted by and featuring people that are likely primarily trying to sell you their respective courses.Small businesses can indeed be great investments, but they are hard.  

There are several benefits of having cash in the bank/liquid reserves versus an open end mortgage (a.k.a) credit card.

I would suggest trying someone local, may hosts have find their last resort at a local insurance company.

This of course depends on your starting bank roll - but if its like mine (under 100k) - Im trying to put as little as possible into it on top of initial equity and fees.this will likely chew a big hole in your ROI  (now if you are looking to improve value with a cash out refi or a great prospect comes along that needs combo new plumbing, roof, windows, foundation repair, etc - well just make sure you know what youre getting into and/or have a good contractor and finger on the pulse of the market when estimating the ARV YOURSELF - couple missed items and you risk having a bad first investment and not doing it again).    7) dont be scared be ambitious ( i should heed my own advice sometimes) 8) define numbers goals within your target areas.  

One of the most important skills you didn't mention is networking, which you are obviously doing well at too.I'd recommend connecting 1:1 (zoom, coffee. lunch, etc.) with a couple from the BP Chicago community or better yet check out some of the local meetups: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...Make friends with the meetup hosts...they will often know whos who and can help you make the right connections.Regarding your license, I think it's a great idea if you have the time and are going at it with the right intentions. 

Are you sticking to traditional banks, exploring private lenders, partnerships, or maybe something creative like seller financing?