That is a third party affiliation by the NAR.The GREC governs licenses laws and protecting the interests of the general public for GA.You can be a broker or agent in GA and not be a REALTOR.  

@Matthew VorceWhile you can shop for a title insurer, the cost of the title insurance is likely governed by state law.  

You only need to worry about FICO scores when applying for conventional / FHA / Fannie loans through government regulated banks.

Having A Mentor who has successful succeeded in Real Estate and willing to support and guide you can actually turn around the sector of real estateestate in someone's career.

One of the weaknesses of the DC market is in the multifamily sector.  

 I have done my own incorporating online, you would have to register with the Government and State, then i get a complete kit with the stamp and all for $75 from M.

(if you even know what those are, LOL, think disco).It's not just Dodd-Frank, for the conspiracy theorist you can start looking to other government agencies joining in with the CFPB and HUD.

My goal is to generate a stream of passive income that will allow me to leave the pressures of the private sector and become my own boss someday.

Additionally you would be hard pressed to get a loan for the purchase price AND the renovation costs unless it was some sort of government backed first time home buyers loan and then you would not be able to sell for a few years.

The main way to get something done in blue-state America is pool your money and get collective finance and government connections on your side.