Since loans are considered securities, most states require a security exemption, which can be prohibitively expensive.At least one state, California, automatically grants licensed CA real estate brokers an exemption without requiring them to go through the expensive registration process.  

This is completely up to you, If an individual came around with perfect credit and met your other income requirements I assume you would rent to that person.

HOWEVER, I do personally make over $100k/yr cash flow from 16 properties here.

 I personally never listened to him.. what was it that you liked about him ? 

but it takes time and effort - like going to the market IN PERSON, and setting up a team IN PERSON. 

Only the person running the club chooses potential investments.

But since that is the choice you have made: I don't know what it is like in Pueblo; but in Mesa County where I live there is a person on staff that walks you through the process and the necessary paperwork that needs to be filed (they don't fill it out for you - just provide the steps).

I've seen some posts both here on BP, in local FB groups, and heard comments in person corroborate this.

Whether that be starting the side hustle of real estate investing, or finding a new job, but, personally, I would not suggest you leave a well paying job until you have started down the path of real estate investing on the side.

One thing I've noticed many experienced investors are recommending to do, but many first-time investors don't practice is; to go and see the out-of-state property in person.