Any information, tips, and/or suggestions you may have regarding how to get "my feet off the ground and running" for lack of a better term, would be greatly appreciated. 

the reality is any where in the nation were cash flow cannot be achieved on a starter investor level or with a SFR that area is prime grounds to sell out of state cash flow.the mid west deep south rust belt and to an extent FLA are the areas of the country were you can buy a single home  ( starter investment) with the least amount down  IE 15 to 30k  and have it cash flow.  

Can you get 'boots on the ground' and look at the property?? 

Whilst my aim with the exam is to enable us to access MLS and gain a good grounding in the industry, I think it would be a good idea to work for this broker for a period of time, to learn the ropes in luxury real estate, whilst continuing my deals on the side. 

Find a property in pre-foreclosure with decent equity (<75% equity, lower is better) that has NOT gotten to the auction phase yet.2.)

I am also trying to build the network of private investors and commercial lenders so I can hit the ground running when I hit the 10 property cap.

My boots on the ground.  

I'm hoping my "lens" come soon, I feel I'm in the analysis paralysis phase and need to clear my vision quick.

The dealing with people (tenants and contractors) is where your focus should go on creating systems.For instance, tell tenants right off the bat in the screening phase the way you will collect rent and that there will be no wiggle room. 

I do know that there have been stricter rules and guidelines regarding water runoff and such since much of our ground water eventually impacts the Chesapeake Bay.