A better option if you can swing it is to purchase with your own funds, gain access, then refi into a loan.

Taxes: Be aware of potential transfer or capital gains taxes, depending on your state.4.

Slow start but hoping to gain momentum.

Is an IRA subject to capital gains tax?

It's a place to legally go and sell stock/business without capital gains.

And I agree that it can work in gaining leads.

Looks better for them and gaining a sale and higher property value gives a larger commission. 

For instance, in my private lending, I dont really give a numerical credit score much weight, but I absolutely look at the composition and history of the individual tradelines on a report if the borrower is a smaller outfit, such as a single member LLC or similar solopreneur-type operator.

Has the title shows I’m about to start the process to gain my real- estate license.

It will save you a ton of money upfront and you'll gain the experience to upgrade to larger deals.