I started on my first "test run" and quickly realized I', clueless as to insurance costs, or even trash pick up (Republic doesn't  seem to have street pick-up rates listed on their sight).However, unless your pro you only get 5 turns on the "toys", so maybe practice with this one www.biggerpockets.com/tools/REIPropertyAnalyzer.xls-- then you can also figure % for maintenance and/or capex (older house, higher%, new home...)Have fun!

If you really insist on catering to FHA, Fannie/Freddie buyers, then you'll simply have to get licensed. 

I myself am a brand spanking new investor and I feel that attending these things if possible would be a great opportunity for new and old investors alike to pick up a tip or two that could add some value and new tools to their repertoire. 

Throw the address into the city assessor's online lookup tool.

Using the calculators/tools on BP will prove very valuable as I look for deals in my area.

If you are refinancing an investment property the two main tools that investors use are conventional lending or portfolio lending.  

Any thoughts from you guys on areas that would make sense to cater to all the new jobs being created up there lately??

Having your license as a tool for an investor is AMAZING, I'm kinda a dork so that's why I like it.

Of course, the estate tax could still be a concern, BUT irrevocable trusts are a great tool for mitigating that risk... but I digress.If/when you get to that stage of your research (which might not be for a while), I'd suggest reaching out to a Qualified Intermediary here on BP (like @Dave Foster, for example) to make sure you get accurate info as it pertains to your specific situation.Whew, ok, that's enough from me.

It's fine to get your license if you intend to use that as a tool for investing, but it really is more wise to just use an agent that knows the market and industry if you don't intend to really dig in.