Questions 1: “Being Sponsored”: Once you get your NMLS license, you’ll need to hang it with a licensed mortgage broker in your State or, if you have multiple state licenses, you’ll want to find one that covers those states.

I'm just looking for a cool group of people to hang out with.

On the other hand, I could get licensed and hang my hat at a property management brokerage and learn there. 

The only drawback from Pex I've seen is that when it's hanging under a house, rodents can get to it and chew a hole in it.

I'm going to hang in there for a few more weeks and see what happens.

I'm comfortable analyzing a deal, I understand I'll need to get an LLC in order to get a short-term loan, and I know I'll need to find a lender for the refinance, but sourcing bids is what is currently hanging me up.

I agree with @Sarah Kensinger.You should just hang out your own shingle on this.

They still wanted to hang on to it, though, so what could they do to qualify for a deduction?

I'd suggest try painting a few things outside to get the hang of the sprayer,  and then go in.    

If you want to be an investor, hang out with like-minded people and accelerate your learning.