I'm a wholesaler/flipper and it's been going well but I'm now trying to start grabbing prospects from the tax deliquent list that I grabbed from my county.

In my state, you can be a real estate agent and not have to pay fees to a membership organization and still proide value. 

I had a few conversations with Cheryl as well as a couple references that she sent me as well as a few that I found on my own.

Josh is very well organized and presents a lot of information well. 

I am concerned with rent control as well....The lease is for one yearI know from basement tenant that they signed lease with the sister (but the lease has previous owner's name)if it is fraud - it will be her word against minebasement tenant are probably here illegally and I doubt they would testify

Regarding whether to start with a mortgage broker or a realtor, I recommend connecting with a local realtor who knows the Venice Market well and can help you identify properties that meet your criteria.

That is both cool and money can be great as well.

It contains hundreds of files such as ebooks, checklists and spreadsheets for real estate investors: https://www.biggerpockets.com/files Good luck investing.

2) Re the flip, Do you have any experience in construction, or dealing with contractors, as well as your local building department?  

Say that enough times and someone will ask "Well how much would you need?"