Keep up with your education, attend local REIA meetings and take massive action.

Can I ask if the REIT you work for is publicly traded?

For many years I've been thinking about real estate investing but never took action.

The drawback of the crowd however is that you get an over abundance of information of varying quality and the audience is left to sift through all the information and identify what is truly valuable and actionable for themselves.C.  

In TX there is a licensing website which indicates which trades must be licensed.If Nebraska indicates general contractors must be licensed, then you must have a license.I would call your local permit office for clarification.

Actions speak louder then words.

It brings calm, conviction, confidence, enthusiasm, decisiveness, excitement and action." 

Could I get some feedback as to what would be the best plan of action?

So, your argument is there should be some trade off...your having to deal with leaks for striking several of the lesser items they are charging you for. 

I've been educating myself and saving up money for about a year now and am finally ready to take action!