I wish you the best of luck and success in your investment career.There are a lot of things to consider, and being a veteran, you have access to the VA loan, which can be a powerful tool.

You'd just put whatever shows that you're serious and capable of closing on transactions: you have educated yourself, you have objectives, you have (access to) money and you're an action taker.

There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guidesAlerts can be really helpful too: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

Direct message me if you would like help accessing those tools, I’d be glad to help you find the info you’re looking for. 

I have been informed of the numerous benefits an investor receives when getting their license, such as:- Access to the MLS- Networking- Self-Representation when making real estate purchases Also, I understand that I will have to be under a broker when making transactions (even if they are personal). 

There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guidesIf you haven’t been to it already, you might want to check out the BP blog: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/

As an agent, I have access to the MLS and I was able to find some distressed properties but how do I find those ideal or "off-MLS" deals? 

There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guidesIf you haven’t been to it already, the Bigger Pockets blog features links to their fantastic podcast and many great articles: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/

Your tenants will have *NO* access to credit of any type and will be extremely vulnerable to any income interruptions.

After reading and getting connected to the community, I am now wondering if it doesn't make sense to try and get access to this equity now so I have flexibility about where to use that capital going forward.