One of the most important skills you didn't mention is networking, which you are obviously doing well at too.I'd recommend connecting 1:1 (zoom, coffee. lunch, etc.) with a couple from the BP Chicago community or better yet check out some of the local meetups: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/521-real-estate-events-...Make friends with the meetup hosts...they will often know whos who and can help you make the right connections.Regarding your license, I think it's a great idea if you have the time and are going at it with the right intentions. 

Attend real estate workshops, engage with local investor groups, and absorb insights from experienced investors.

I attended couple of real estate meetups.

Nothing wrong with an LLC but know the LLC will be most helpful in simply keeping your name off the docket above all else in the event a lawsuit is filed.

Networking Tips: How can I leverage industry events, meetups, and online communities to build relationships with potential investors?

I would recommend attending local meet ups so you can talk to investors who buy in California as well as OOS.

@Evan RobertI’m not too sure of any GTA meetings currently, but there’s an event in the Durham region on the 9th that I will be attending!

I attended her event in San Antonio.

I  started keeping an event journal to remind me of issues or unique incidents that impact the income/occupancy of each property, including maintenance block-offs. 

@Collin SchwartzYou are a cool guy for putting on all of the Omaha meetups and you have done a great job in a very short period of time.I met you at one of your meetups last year, but work, family, and my investment properties have kept me too busy to attend recently.