Over the past 15+ years in this business, i have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

Hard part with business is separating your emotions from it.

I'm eager to grow my book of business in various markets and connect with active wholesalers.

I forget; it was payment processing related) that required me to have a website for the business.

We're also seeking to buy a local (Raleigh / Durham) property management company to expand that business more rapidly.

@Michael Quarles I can honestly say that I've never gotten any solid business from postcards.

I am a co-host in Dallas and Waco, TX and I have an idea of what types of owners and properties I want in my co-host portfolio----and with each client/property I learn which qualities are working for my business setup or what qualities I need to be working on to upskill.

Yes, operations is a big part of that, especially for anyone that wants to be a business for the long-term.If I were you, I would be talking to office brokers about partnering more than an online forum.   

Do you believe it will now be more cost effective to hold a license or do you believe the expenses will go up with what I assume will be a flight from the business by low producing real estate agents? 

Yes, this is "tough love", but you won't survive in this business if you let it affect you:)