Additionally, with all the money printing going on currently, I see debt as another tool protect against inflation. 

Turned out not to be the case because after going under contract and starting the mortgage financing I read the small print in my distribution form of the 401(k) that a mandatory 20% tax withholding will apply.

Add that to the fact that we have the gov't printing money at a breakneck pace spurring inflation, so naturally - the stock market and RE markets are soaring, and then the really odd aspect - the USD index is... rising?!

So I am on the hunt for my first deal and after about a month with the MLS I got nada so far, a couple close ones but at the end of the day nothing.So I am looking into off market and I have designed my postcard printed em off at Staples and I am about to get ready to drop them off at perspective homes.I am wondering if it is better to make a website to help legitimize my business or is that something that can be done down the line?

No doubt times have changed back then we had to go down to the register of deeds or courthouse and buy lists then print up postcards and mail them. 

As far as getting licensed, you need 20 hours of federal education, 4 hours for NJ state education, pass the exam, get finger printed, background check, etc.

Your lender may have a few extra fees in the fine print. 

Agreed with Jay here, we've printed trillions of dollars and have grown at rates never seen before.

This will save a lot of time and money by not printing and mass mailing people who are not your audience. 

What has worked better for me (I have never done the email "farming" you talk about), is going on the county GIS for whatever county you are targeting, print out a list (or generate a spreadsheet) of the properties in that neighborhood/area, and mail them a letter.