In order to carry a license we have to train, take classes, pass an exam, and do continuing education on an annual basis in order to maintain the license so we can originate.

Then I would set that money aside for use later, so she could continue to live in the place with the cosmetic changes she already made.

By showing the property yourself you can meet and greet people, observe what attracts them to the property, and continue your interview face-to-face.

I'd love to hear some of the creative ideas fellow members have come up with to get started (or continue going) in this business.

It looks like they are continuing that. 

From there you wouldn't be as leveraged and could continue growing as you wish from there.A personal loan to secure rental property could work as well- but holds more risk as troubles could arise with flakey tenants or repairs to be done during the hold time. 

(He's in full-time graduate school and graduates next month.)OR I can continue paying our monthly mortgage payments and save up towards another down payment for a second property.Here's where I get confused.Why would I want two home loans, with each property cash flowing ~$300/monthly, when I can just pay off one home and the monthly income is greater?

These type of properties, getting an all rented property for cheaper to fix-up later (basically the brrrr strategy) it pays for itself and cash flows are the only properties I am interested in...less work the better but the renovated properties still seem to be out of business model in terms of coming up with the down payment and re-payment strategy of being able to pay it off in 5-7yrs as we don't need the profits to live we just continually pay more principal from the rent. 

I'm sure the debt you'd have to service on this loan would be less expensive than a hard money loan, also this option keeps your cash reserves higher thus your risk exposure down - as you would only have to make monthly payments and come out of pocket for the renovations.Just make sure to do the necessary renovations to get the dollar value you are seeking on the sale and I'm sure this opportunity could be the one to get the confidence under your belt to continue investing down the road!

I think his attitude towards the errors will speak volumes as to whether or not you should continue with his services.